HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's first Chinese medicine hospital will commence services in phases starting from Dec 11, according to the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the hospital operator Wednesday.

With its construction fully funded by the HKSAR government, the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) adopts a public-private partnership model. Hong Kong Baptist University will be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the hospital.

In the first year after its service commencement, the CMHHK will provide outpatient and day-patient services and fully launch six specialized traditional Chinese medicine services, along with 12 special disease programs.

Cheung Wai-lun, an official with the health bureau, said that the hospital is tasked with multiple functions, including medical services, teaching and training, as well as scientific research.