Alice Wong, managing director of Eu Yan Sang, outlines Hong Kong's increasing role as a centre of excellence in Chinese medicine

Singapore-listed global healthcare group Eu Yan Sang International finds Hong Kong the perfect platform for developing its core business in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Hong Kong's recent enactment of strict new benchmarks regulating the quality of TCM products sets the right direction for the Chinese medicine industry worldwide, according to Alice Wong, managing director of Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong ) Limited.

"This represents a major step in Hong Kong's development as an international centre for the manufacture and supply of Chinese medicines," Ms Wong said. "It is important for our company to be Hong Kong, where we have easy access to data information from China along with the support and infrastructure necessary to run a global business."

Eu Yan Sang, a brand name established for over 120 years, manufactures and sells prescription TCMs through over 80 retail outlets in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. It has two production plants - in Chai Wan, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - and also operates a chain of TCM clinics and integrative medical centres in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

Rigorous testing process

As part of its commitment to providing safe, high-quality Chinese medicines, Eu Yan Sang uses accredited laboratories to conduct in-depth analytical testing on each batch of its products. In addition to testing for toxicity and heavy metal content, it also obtains genetic "fingerprints" of the herbs used to ensure their quality and efficacy.
 
The company's presence in Hong Kong allows it to focus on advanced, state-of-the-art R&D in collaboration with world-class academic institutions, Ms Wong explained. Three such collaborative studies have been scheduled for this year - two with the Institute of Chinese Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and one with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.  The projects include clinical trials on anti-viral formulas (including treatments for flu and Sars) and products designed to ease symptoms of menopause. 

Ms Wong welcomed Hong Kong's new requirement, effective as of December 2003, that all proprietary Chinese medicines manufactured or sold in Hong Kong be registered under the Chinese Medicines Ordinance. Only those proven to comply with the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy will be approved for registration.

Industry to benefit

"Although these changes will mean extra costs for manufacturers and dealers, the general public will benefit in that there will be enhanced assurance of the safety, efficacy and quality of the registered Chinese medicines," Ms Wong said.

"Hong Kong's status as a hub for the manufacture and dealing of Chinese medicines will be well established. The Chinese medicine industry worldwide will ultimately benefit from these changes."

Eu Yan Sang plans to open several new shops in Hong Kong this year, and believes the new regulations will only serve to further strengthen its presence in the Chinese mainland.

"Chinese medicines manufactured in Hong Kong already carry a fine reputation in the mainland," Ms Wong said. "Implementation of the new regulations will inevitably build up more confidence in Chinese medicines produced in Hong Kong."

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