Modern approach no threat to age-old Chinese medicine techniques

Pharmacy chain Watsons has introduced Chinese medicine services in some of its stores to blend the old with the new - but seasoned practitioners aren't afraid of the competition.

The service, which was launched about a year ago, takes advantage of modern computerised techniques to control prescriptions of herbal medicines as well as patients' histories.

The pharmacy offers Chinese medicine services in six of its outlets across the city. A consultation which includes treatment of two doses of concentrated Chinese medicine granules costs HK$240, while the costs for other services such as acupuncture, cupping and integrated treatment range from HK$260 to HK$440.

Modern services such as individual consultation and treatment rooms, computerised clinical management and dispensing systems are provided inside the modern, Western-style stores.

Medicine is provided in concentrated granule form, instead of old methods that involve simmering dried herbs for hours. Watsons said the granules were "easy to carry and use … hygienic, safe and have stable efficacy".

Elderly patients are offered a 10 per cent discount on the regular price of treatments.

While Watsons plans to expand into more stores, having a chain store competing in Chinese medicine doesn't scare some traditional practitioners working in small clinics.