DAB launches "Chinese Medicine in Every Community" and free retinal screening programmes

24 May 2026

Continuing its commitment to public health, the DAB today launched two community healthcare initiatives in Ma On Shan — the fourth edition of "Chinese Medicine in Every Community" in partnership with the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, and the third annual free retinal screening services in collaboration with Lifeline Express. The launch ceremony was officiated by DAB Chairperson and LegCo Member Chan Hak-kan, Secretary-General and LegCo Member Chris Ip, and Spokesperson on Health and LegCo Member Chan Wing-kwong.

Chan Hak-kan said the two health initiatives aim to promote the messages that "health is priceless" and "prevention is better than cure," while encouraging proactive care for well‑being.

Chris noted that as of last year, the two programmes had together served over 13,500 people, reflecting strong public demand for primary healthcare services. He also expressed the DAB's gratitude to the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association and Lifeline Express for their dedicated support in bringing free services to all 18 districts.

Chan Wing-kwong said the DAB has long pushed for integrating Chinese medicine into the public healthcare system and expanding Chinese-Western medicine integration. Thanks to these efforts, subsidised places at district Chinese medicine clinics have risen to 800,000. This year's Budget also heeded the sector's call for an additional $500 million for the Chinese Medicine Development Fund. The DAB will continue to strengthen primary healthcare and Chinese medicine services for the community.

The DAB's "Chinese Medicine in Every Community" and retinal screening programmes will run across all 18 districts from today until March next year. For details, please contact district branches.

DAB district branches https://www.dab.org.hk/18branch