Western Phamacy Offers Chinese Medicine

Modern Approach no Threat to Age-old Chinese Medicine Techniques

Watsons pharmacy chain has introduced traditional Chinese services into its stores, but seasoned practitioners aren't afraid of the competition

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.

Wong Hok-yee, a practitioner with a small clinic two streets from one of the Watsons stores, said the new service has not brought changes to his business.

Providing medical services in a tiny, 50-year-old clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui, Wong said he wasn't aware that the nearby Watsons store was offering a Chinese medicine service. "We do it our way, and they do it their own way. No worries at all," said Wong, who has practised for more than 30 years. His patients range from youngsters to the elderly.

He said his patients normally paid around HK$210 for each visit, including a consultation fee and two doses of medicine.

"Li Ka-shing cannot monopolise our market. What [Watsons] sells is different from our products," added Wong Kwok-leung, who works in the clinic with the elderly practitioner.

Watsons is the flagship brand of AS Watson, China's biggest health and beauty retailer owned by Li, Hong Kong's richest man.

Another traditional practitioner said he had no fear of a modern competitor. "Chinese medicine relies on experience and we count on word of mouth," said Kei Wai-kwang, a practitioner in Causeway Bay.

He said the concentrated medicine granules were not as reliable as traditional medicines. "We take the essence of herbs after hours of simmering, but there might be impurities in the granules," said Kei. "Improvement comes only with competition. Therefore I am not worried."

Source of the story is here.