Efforts from the Government, academia and students will soon make Hong Kong a leading centre for traditional Chinese medicine research and practice, a renowned practitioner of both Western and Chinese medicine predicts.

Dr Edwin Yu, a pediatric specialist and Chinese medicine researcher, as well as university professor, spoke to news.gov.hk as he put the finishing touches to his latest project �V the Herbal Garden of the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences.

The patch of green is located just a stone's throw from the museum building - a two-storey century-old red-brick structure of classic Edwardian design. The whole set-up is brought into sharp relief as it is surrounded by highrises of a much more recent vintage.

Horticultural healing: Herbal Garden (left) was created on the grounds surrounding the Museum of Medical Sciences to promote a better understanding of the medicinal value of herbal plants; Dr Edwin Yu (centre), Head of the museum's Herbal Garden Committee explains the unique qualities of some herbal plants being cultivated in the garden; Months before its official opening in July, the Herbal Garden (right) is already attracting traditional Chinese medicine students.

The irony was not lost on Dr Yu, who enthused: "I have no doubt that this island of tranquility will not only attract serious students of Chinese medicine, but because of its convenient location, it will also prove popular with both local and foreign visitors before long."

Chinese medicine students no longer have to brave inclement weather, tackle steep mountain paths and wade through thick vegetation to become familiar with the plants used in practicing Chinese medicine as they can find them in this garden.

It will complement the medical exhibits inside the museum, which chronicle the development of medical services in Hong Kong over the last 160 years.

"It will help provide the ideal research environment not only for Chinese medicine, but also the interface between Western and Chinese medicine," said Dr Yu, who straddles both disciplines with ease.

Dr Yu paid tribute to the Government for gazetting the Chinese medicine ordinance and establishing the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong in 1999.

"They are nothing short of milestone developments in the promotion of Chinese medicine," Dr Yu said. "They have ensured a structured system of training and registration for Chinese medicine practioners, thereby enhancing the standard of the profession and the interests of those who consult them."

Speaking as Chairman of the Herbal Garden Committee of the museum, the methodical scholar outlined the garden's objectives:

* To establish a collection of herbs with a comprehensive database of their respective nature and characteristics;

* To encourage the exchange of information and knowledge among medical and herbal professionals;

* To develop themes from the garden for academic discussion and research;

* To promote public understanding of Chinese and Western medicine, particularly how respective disciplines use herbs to promote health and treat illnesses; and,

* To offer a convenient place for the enjoyment of nature and reflective contemplation.

Dr Yu is a strong believer in the mutually complementary nature of Western and Chinese medicine. 

Although Western medicine has dominated healthcare services in most parts of the world in modern times, he said, Chinese medicine also has much to offer. Unfortunately, he added, the public and even healthcare workers trained in Western medicine do not sufficiently understand it.

"With a heritage dating back thousands of years, Chinese medicine has stood the test of time. But its training can benefit from a more scientific approach. And this garden, along with the museum's other resources, will undoubtedly contribute to this ultimate goal."

The garden is arranged according to the nature of the plants being cultivated. It is divided into the following zones:

* Medicinal herbs for specific functions;

* Aromatic herbs

* Exhibition herbs, aquatic herbs and rare medicinal herbs;

* Herbs of the ginger family, covering the spectrum from food to medicine;

* Roots with tonic properties;

* Examples of herb combinations used in some Chinese medicinal prescriptions;

* Herbs grouped under the 12 auspicious animals of the Chinese zodiac;

* Herbs easily misidentified; and,

* Significant roles of local herbs, herbs used in Western medicine, toxic herbs, ferns and climbing herbs.

Dr Yu expressed his confidence that there will be greater public acceptance of Chinese medicine. 

He points to Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage in administering herbal medicines. When the Tung Wah Hospital first opened in 1872, Dr Yu said, it treated patients mostly by having them consult with a Chinese medicine practitioner who would prescribe herbal remedies.

Even the wider community found greater empathy among the Chinese medicine healers. They see them as being more in tune with their cultural beliefs - and they generally charge less for their services than do their Western counterparts.

The Government offerered the museum free use of the building, which is a protected monument due to its rich historical and architectural value. It was formerly occupied by the Bacteriological and Pathological Institutes and has played vital roles in addressing some of the most serious public health crises in the past.

The garden and the museum are located at 2 Caine Lane, Mid-levels. More details can be obtained by calling 2549 5123, sending an email to info@hkmms.org.hk, or visiting the website: www.hkmms.org.hk.