Beneath Hong Kong’s vibrant skyline stands Tung Wah Eastern Hospital. This hospital is more than just a medical facility. It’s a testament to the city’s history and the enduring spirit of its people.
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital has a rich background. It is one of the three hospitals that form the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. The other two are Tung Wah Hospital and Kwong Wah Hospital. They united as a group in 1931.
The name Tung Wah Group of Hospitals means “three hospitals of Eastern China”. All three were founded by local Chinese. Tung Wah Eastern Hospital was established in 1929. It stands as a symbol of accessible healthcare for all.
Initially, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital offered both Chinese and Western medicine. Patients could freely choose their preferred treatment. This reflected the hospital’s commitment to holistic care.
In 1942, the Japanese occupation brought challenges. Chinese herbs became scarce. The Japanese authorities restricted Chinese medicine services. Consequently, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital provided only limited Western medical services to inpatients.
After the war, only Chinese medicine outpatient services resumed. This marked a shift in the hospital’s offerings. Later, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital embraced Chinese medicine. It aligned with the government’s policies for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Tung Wah Eastern Hospital launched projects to enhance its Chinese medicine services. These projects included collaborations with local universities. They focused on evidence-based research.
The hospital also organized Chinese and Western medical symposia. It established research-oriented Chinese medicine clinical research and service centers. Tung Wah Eastern Hospital integrates Western medicine practices into its clinical operations. This creates a base for clinical research.
In 2008, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital launched integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment centers. These centers promote the complementary development of both medical approaches.
Dedicated to modernizing Chinese medicine, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital set up the Chinese Medicine Control Centre in 2006. This center conducts experiments to identify and authenticate Chinese herbs.
Today, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital continues to provide vital healthcare services. It blends tradition with innovation. As you stand before it, remember its history and the countless lives it has touched. Tung Wah Eastern Hospital stands as a beacon of health and healing in Hong Kong.