Strengthening GBA Regional Health: Highlights from the 20th Tripartite Meeting in Macao
- Association Secretary
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
On January 15, 2026, the 20th Tripartite Meeting of Senior Health Officials from the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao was held in Macao. Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, led a high-level delegation to engage in pivotal discussions aimed at enhancing public health across the three regions.
GBA Regional Health: A Collaborative Vision for Future Healthcare
The conference focused on three core strategic pillars:
Talent Development: Cultivating interdisciplinary strategic leaders in medical prevention and management.
Healthy Communities: Promoting proactive healthcare "gatekeeping" to build resilient local communities.
Smart Healthcare: Expanding the application of smart technology within the health and medical sectors.
Key representatives from Hong Kong, including Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman Mr. Henry Fan, HA Chief Executive Dr. Libby Lee, and Director of Health Dr. Ronald Lam, shared insights on topics ranging from cross-boundary record sharing to the internationalization of medical standards.
Leading Through Innovation: Hong Kong’s Recent Milestones
Hong Kong continues to leverage its high-efficiency healthcare system to foster regional integration. Over the past year, several major breakthroughs were highlighted:
GBA Direct Ambulance Link: A pilot scheme for cross-boundary ambulance services is underway, with plans to expand to two-way transfers.
Elderly Health Care Vouchers: Coverage has been extended to 21 service points across all nine Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
eHealth Integration: The "Cross-boundary Health Record" and "Personal Folder" functions on the eHealth app now facilitate the seamless flow of medical records.
National Accreditation: Queen Mary Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital have successfully received national accreditation as Chest Pain and Stroke Centers.
The Road Ahead: An International Medical Innovation Hub
Aligned with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is set to transform into a global hub for medical innovation. The government’s strategy includes four major initiatives:
Regulatory Reform: The establishment of the "Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR)" this year will implement "primary-tier approval" for drugs and medical devices, aiming for international recognition.
Clinical Trial Excellence: The launch of the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform will allow pharmaceutical companies to conduct synchronous trials in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, accelerating the R&D of new treatments.
Expanding Medical Education: Hong Kong is moving forward with the establishment of its third medical school at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). This will complement existing institutions to cultivate a new generation of medical-scientific talent.
Globalizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): 2025 marks a landmark year with the release of the first TCM Development Blueprint and the opening of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital.
Conclusion: A "Super-Connector" for National Health
As a "Super-connector" and "Super Value-adder," Hong Kong’s medical sector is dedicated to integrating into the national development strategy. By combining institutional innovation with technological progress, we aim to contribute to the high-quality development of GBA regional healthcare for the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Together, driven by innovation and collaboration, we are building a healthier future for all.
