Strengthening Healthcare Ties: Deepening Collaboration Between Hong Kong and the Mainland
- Association Secretary
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
On January 13, Chief Executive John Lee met with Lei Haichao, Director of the National Health Commission, at Government House to discuss deepening healthcare cooperation. This high-level meeting culminated in the signing of two landmark agreements aimed at enhancing the medical landscape for residents in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Healthcare Ties: A New Era for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
The first major milestone is the Cooperation Agreement in the Field of Traditional Chinese Medicine, signed by Yu Yanhong, Director of the National Administration of TCM, and Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health.
This agreement focuses on:
Innovation and Inheritance: Promoting the high-quality development of TCM.
GBA Development: Building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a "TCM Highlands."
Global Reach: Supporting Hong Kong’s "TCM Development Blueprint" and positioning the city as a bridgehead for TCM to reach the global market.
Advancing Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The second agreement is the Framework Agreement between the National Cancer Center and the Health Bureau. Signed by Professor Lo Chung-mau and He Jie, Director of the National Cancer Center, this partnership aims to:
Strengthen basic research and big data applications.
Improve screening, early diagnosis, and standardized treatments.
Enhance public education and create a collaborative platform for cancer control.
Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that these agreements align with the latest Policy Address, ensuring that citizens have access to more efficient and comprehensive medical services.
Professional Exchanges and National Integration
Beyond healthcare, the Hong Kong government is actively engaging in national exchange programs. A group of Information Officers recently visited Beijing for a national studies course, led by Director of Information Services, Ms. Liao Li-keqi. They had the honor of being among the first visitors to the new Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office building, where they met with Director Xia Baolong. The group will continue their study tour in Chengdu to gain deeper insights into national development.
Looking Toward the Future: The 15th Five-Year Plan
In terms of strategic planning, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang announced that the government will step up efforts to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This initiative, directed by President Xi Jinping, will be a primary focus for the government in 2026.
Furthermore, the government remains committed to National Security Education, with Mr. Tsang highlighting that safeguarding national security is a continuous, collective responsibility that requires the participation of the entire community.
These collaborative efforts in health, professional development, and strategic planning underscore a shared commitment to the long-term prosperity and well-being of the region.
