Interview

        In order to clarify the general public’s impression and perception of Chinese medicine, and to gain insight into how apothecaries may improve their services, we conducted street interviews on passersby near our campus after school hours. We hoped to understand what “Chinese medicine” means to people, and also gain information as to how the Chinese medicine industry may make transitions and innovations. We issued a total of 200 questionnaires, collected 198, out of which 191 were valid.

Street Interviews

Statistical Diagram（Point to enlarge）

Conclusion

1.According to our survey, we found that most people still prefer Western clinics when seeking primary form of healthcare, mainly because therapeutic effects are quickly perceptible. The shows that Chinese medicine must develop in ways other than simple medical treatment.

Questionnaire Survey

2.According to the responses, most people have taken Chinese medicine previously, but still most consider Chinese medicine as herbal food supplements, something that apothecaries must take into consideration as they contemplate transition and innovation.

3.Most people make purchases at apothecaries formedicinal cuisine, which means that cooking with medicinal herbs has become an ongoing trend. Chinese medicine apothecaries would do well to consider and incorporate the current trend into their services.

4.According to the survey, the general public wishes for Chinese medical treatment to be covered by the National Health Insurance, and also for apothecaries to provide free medical advice. At this time, Chinese medicine treatments are not fully covered by the National Health Insurance and consequently required higher treatment fees. If changes are made in this aspect, customers would be much more willing to consult Chinese medicine physicians.