The collection has been developed since 1989 with the aim to collect all primary and secondary sources pertaining to the development and history of medicine in the Asia Pacific region, with particular emphasis on China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.  It contains original and reprint works, illustrations, manuscripts, folklore, significant journal issues and many traditional Chinese formularies dating as far back as the 13th century to the present.  It comprises both Western and Eastern languages and a wide variety of formats including books, microfiches, microfilms, video tapes and CD-ROM discs.

In addition, the library also collects many rare copies of significant medical texts. Some of the rarest ones dating back to the 16th century have been placed in University Library's Rare Book Room for better preservation. Others are still kept in the Medical Library in closed stacks behind the Circulation Counter.