The Dilemma of Chinese Medicine Practitioners face in defining ‘Integrative Medicine’ to implement the Chinese Western Integrative Medical System in Hong Kong
Author: Wong Margaret Wai Yan
Introduction
With the 100 years of British colonial rule in Hong Kong before 1997, Western Medicine had been upholding the top position in monopolizing Hong Kong's medical and health care system. After 1997, the position of Chinese medicine changed to become highly important in public health. The monopoly of Western Medicine had faded to become resistance towards the “unconventional” and “unorthodox” Chinese Medicine, and Chinese Medicine Practitioners (CMPs) are being marginalized in the health care system. Although the Hong Kong Government had stated the “parallel fashion” between the two medicines, the integration put Chinese medicine practitioners in a dilemma because their roles and responsibilities are unclear, and they are insecure in contact with Western medicine doctors (WMDs).