Database of the Portal was developed and collected by TWGHs in collaboration with the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS). According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between TWGHs and WFCMS on 15 November 2004, WFCMS would be responsible for collection, verification and compilations of information on all Mainland Chinese medicine hospitals, institutes, practitioners and researchers; while TWGHs would responsible for the English translation of the database, construction of the portal and other contents of the site. A Management Committee co-chaired by TWGHs and WFCMS was also set up to monitor the progress and performance of the project. 　　

　　The State Administration of TCM of PRC greatly supports the project by issuing circulars directly to all relevant institutions and hospitals of different provinces of Mainland China for collection of data. Data are provided on voluntary basis. Each institution was requested to provide information on their background, contact information, personnel and establishments, key specialties, specialized diseases and key clinical subjects on national or provincial level. The information was then complied and verified by WFCMS before sending to TWGHs for translation. 　　

　　After receiving the data in Chinese, TWGHs was responsible for translating the data into English. Intel Semiconductor Ltd. was appointed as the developer of the Portal. Information on Chinese herbs is provided by Eu Yan San (Hong Kong) Limited, while other information is provided and written by Chinese medicine practitioners of TWGHs. 　　

　　This is the first attempt ever to set up a database on Chinese medicine institutions and practitioners in China. Due to the large quantity of the data, there may be inadequacies in the database like comprehensiveness. However, we will keep updating the information and the portal. Please note the latest development of the portal.