Health Bureau: Free Chinese medicine services for Tai Po fire victims

Free Chinese medicine consultation services will be provided to all residents affected by the devastating fire in Tai Po starting Monday, according to the Health Bureau.

The bureau said in a statement on Sunday that various CM services will also be deployed to fully address the medical needs of all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, including foreign domestic helpers.

From Monday until Feb 28, 2026, they can receive up to three free CM consultation services, including the provision of medication and related treatments based on their clinical needs.

The free CM consultation services covers health conditions that may arise after the fire, such as emotional changes, insomnia, palpitations; coughing, wheezing, dry throat, and itchy throat; physical weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; as well as pain and musculoskeletal injuries.

Affected residents with medical needs can call the hotlines or visit any District Health Centre or District Health Centre Express to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence.

Fire victims admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority also can receive full fee waivers at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) until Dec 31, 2026.

The waivers cover all government-subsidized CMHHK services, including General Clinic, Specialized Clinic, Allied Health Services, day-patient services, as well as special Western medicine diagnostic procedures and medications.

Following the deadly fire on Nov 26, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) under the HA promptly provided support in Sha Tin district, Tai Po district, and North district through enhancing CM services, and re-dispensing of Chinese medicines.

Since Dec 2, the CMCTRs in the city's 18 districts have been fully supporting the fire victims, who are eligible for full medical fee waivers until Dec 31, 2026, covering government-subsidized CM outpatient services, including general consultation, acupuncture and bone-setting.

As of noon Saturday, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has received HK$3.4 billion ($148.26 million) in donations. With the start-up capital of $300 million from the special administrative region government, the fund's total has now reached around HK$3.7 billion.

Established by the SAR government, the fund will be used to assist residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,392 Wang Fuk Court residents have been accommodated in youth hostels, camps, or hotel rooms through the coordination of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau as of Saturday morning.

Another 3,163 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or units from the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS).

The SAR government said the fire victims can stay for a longer period of time in these transitional housing units and need not worry about rental expenses or the duration of stay.