[3] Historian Him Mark Lai cites three factors that made it difficult for early Chinese immigrants to seek medical care:[4] In 1888, the Chinese Hospital Association sought permission to erect a hospital in the University Mound neighborhood, but the San Francisco Board of Supervisors referred the request to the Health and Police Committee instead, based on opposition from existing property owners.

[5] Several so-called Chinese hospitals were established in San Francisco as privately run institutions of poor repute, mainly functioning as hospices and morgues, throughout the late 1800s.

[14][15][16] By the early 1970s, the original building did not meet earthquake and fire standards established in 1947, and income (mainly derived from rental properties in Chinatown) was not adequate to provide sufficient funds to improve it.

[17] The plans were approved and the 1924 building was demolished, despite significant opposition by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP).

According to the hospital's CEO, Brenda Yee, "reduced support from the community physicians" has resulted in fewer admissions.

[22] Chinese Hospital is governed by a Board of Trustees, with members selected from sixteen community organizations serving Chinatown.

[1][27][28] San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee was also born in Chinese Hospital.