Beijing Tongren Hospital, founded in 1886, has earned its deserved fame, and the name "Tongren" was recently officially recognized as a famous Chinese trademark by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC).

The historic records of the hospital revealed that the hospital was founded in 1886 by an American church, Methodist Christ church, which was headquartered in New York at that time.

Since its establishment, the hospital has specialized in ophthalmology and the treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases, becoming a recognized authority in these fields. The name "Tongren" attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the country every year.

Because of its fame, many phony medical companies have attempted to use the name "Tongren," and incompetent doctors sold themselves as "experts at the Beijing Tongren Hospital."

To fight against this, the prestigious hospital registered its "Tongren" name with the SAIC in 1997, while making every effort to expand its popularity among people.

Officials with the hospital say that recognition by the SAIC offers Tongren a good opportunity to develop a thriving practice made up of medical services, pharmacies, and other sectors.

Since 1989, the SAIC has registered dozens of famous trademarks, mostly for commodities, and Beijing Tongren Hospital is the first hospital to be granted the famous trademark in China.