Three Chinese medicine out-patient clinics will be opened in selected public hospitals in 2003-04.

Speaking in the Legislative Council today, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said the move was the first step in the Government's drive to introduce Chinese medicine into the public health care system.

He said the clinics will provide training opportunities for Chinese medicine students. Noting that the Government is not providing any emolument to students undergoing practical training in Chinese medicine, Dr Yeoh said students undergoing such training are not qualified or registered to practice Chinese medicine.

He said they should be distinguished from Western medicine interns working at hospitals as the latter have already completed the required education and training and are registered in the provisional register to perform clinical duties in hospitals for a period of 12 months under supervision, which is a pre-requisite for full registration.