Press Release
HKBU School of Chinese Medicine strengthens elderly services with support from Hong Kong Jockey Club
Monday, 08 Mar 2021
The School of Chinese Medicine (SCM) at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has received funding totalling about HK$10 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (the Trust) to enhance two SCM service programmes. These are the "Elderly Sponsorship Scheme of the Jockey Club 'Embrace Health' Chinese Medicine Programme" and the online "Chinese Medicine Video Enquiry Service" offered by the Hong Kong Baptist University ‒ Jockey Club Chinese Medicine Disease Prevention and Health Management Centre (the Centre). It is expected that about 18,000 elderly people will benefit from these programmes.
Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies, and Director and Chair Professor of the Clinical Division at SCM, expressed his gratitude for the Trust's support. "HKBU's School of Chinese Medicine is committed to providing quality Chinese medicine education, research and healthcare services. The support of the Trust allows us to further strengthen our clinical services, and it will benefit more elderly people in need," he said.
Elderly Sponsorship Scheme lowers eligible age, raises subsidies
With funding of more than HK$5.5 million from the Trust, the Elderly Sponsorship Scheme of the Jockey Club "Embrace Health" Chinese Medicine Programme launched by the Centre has extended its scope and increased its subsidies, thereby improving the quality of life of the elderly and their health management awareness. The eligible age of applicants has been lowered to 60 or above, from 65 or above previously. In addition, the maximum full-rate subsidy per consultation is raised, from HK$550 to HK$800, and that for half-rate subsidy is increased from HK$275 to HK$400. It is estimated that about 10,000 people will benefit from these enhancements.
Applications for this programme can be made throughout the year. Please visit the programme website or call 3411 2689 for more details.
Encouraging elders to use video health consultation
SCM also received funding of HK$4 million from the Trust to encourage elders aged 60 or above to use the free online video health consultation service. This service aims to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection when elders need to commute for consultations.
After making a telephone appointment (tel: 3793 3428) with Chinese medicine health practitioners at the Centre, elders can have a 10-minute health consultation using Zoom, the online video conferencing platform. The consultation covers health tips as well as everyday information about Chinese medicine. Once the consultation is completed, participants receive two complementary packs of health-preserving decoction or herbal tea, which can be delivered to their residence or a designated location. This programme is expected to benefit over 8,000 people. Please visit the above website for details.
