The first Chinese hospital in the U.S., Chinese Hospital, observed its 125th anniversary this week, recognizing a long history of offering culturally sensitive care to the local community.
Key points:
- The hospital, located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is also the only independent community hospital remaining in the city.
- Assemblyman Phil Ting revealed a $5 million portion from the state budget for a 23-bed subacute-care unit, addressing a crucial need in the Bay Area.
- CEO Dr. Jian Zhang highlights a future of collaboration and partnership, acknowledging the hospital’s significant shift from exclusion to inclusivity.
The details:
- Founded in 1899 as the Tung Wah Dispensary to assist Chinese immigrants excluded from mainstream hospitals, Chinese Hospital has since transformed into an essential healthcare provider. It celebrated its 125th anniversary on May 9.
- Chinese Hospital has expanded over the years to fulfill the growing needs of the community. It inaugurated a new acute care health center in 2016, replacing the original hospital demolished in 2012, ABC7 News reported.
- The hospital’s commitment is apparent in its recognition as one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals in California by Newsweek in 2024.
- Last week, Assemblyman Phil Ting announced a $5 million allocation from the state budget to construct a 23-bed subacute-care unit at the hospital. The fund, which aims to address the Bay Area’s need for specialized care, follows another $5 million budget set aside in 2022 for infrastructure upgrade, as per the San Francisco Examiner.
- The unit is expected to open in a year’s time. It will provide services such as post-surgical care, wound care, pain management and cardiac care.
