The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (September 28) released the findings of research on the effects of Chinese medicine on COVID-19 rehabilitation. The result showed that individualised Chinese medicine treatment could promote resolution of residual symptoms, as well as improve the lung functions and body constitutions of recovered COVID-19 patients. The research, which has been published in a renowned international academic journal "Chinese Medicine", is the first internationally published clinical research in Hong Kong that focused on the effects of Chinese medicine on COVID-19 rehabilitation.

     The research was conducted by the HA in the collaboration with schools of Chinese medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, as well as seven Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres from September 2020 to December 2021. Through assessments and treatments, the research team collected clinical data of 150 recovered COVID-19 patients, including their residual symptoms, lung functions and other medical conditions for analysis.

     The Associate Vice-President (Chinese Medicine Development) of the HKBU, Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, said, "The findings of the research demonstrate that individualised Chinese medicine treatment could effectively promote COVID-19 rehabilitation by treating clinical symptoms, improving lung functions and achieving balance in the body constitutions of recovered COVID-19 patients."

     The Chief Manager (Chinese Medicine) of the HA, Ms Rowena Wong said, "The research has served as evidence on treatment of COVID-19 residual symptoms with Chinese medicine treatment, as well as providing a reference for Chinese medicine practitioners on treating COVID-19 infected persons. The presentation of findings on an international representable academic and research platform also marks a milestone for the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong and demonstrates to the world the evidence-based effectiveness of Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19.

     "Chinese medicine has all along possessed unique advantages for treatment. The HA will continue to complement the national policy to promote the development of Chinese medicine by supporting and promoting more research projects, as well as continuing to share the clinical efficacy and advantages of Chinese medicine internationally," Ms Wong added.

Ends/Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:00

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