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Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Wrap Up Successfully
- Over 1,000 investment and business matching meetings lined up underscoring Hong Kong's role as a healthcare investment hub - ASGH brought together more than 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions - Medical Fair attracted some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions - The two flagship events together resulted in over 390 deal-making sessions and more than 660 business matching meetings - Collaboration agreements were signed during the events, covering areas including patient care, diagnostic solutions, innovative medical devices, and medical imaging HONG KONG - May 28, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - The fifth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 16th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), both organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), have drawn to a successful close. As flagship events of International Healthcare Week (IHW), both ASGH and the Medical Fair brought global healthcare stakeholders together, including government officials and organisations, research pioneers, investors, and business leaders. ASGH attracted over 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions, while the Medical Fair received some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions. Over 390 one-on-one deal-making sessions and more than 660 business matching meetings were arranged, facilitating over 1,000 high-quality collaborations and connections. The IHW continues to foster global exchange and cooperation, putting a spotlight on Hong Kong's vast potential in healthcare investment and trade, and reinforcing its position as a regional leading medical hub. Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: 'The Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair concluded with outstanding results driving new collaborations and investments, and injecting new momentum into the healthcare industry. The events brought together leaders across government, business, academia, and investment to tackle today's healthcare challenges, highlighting Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international innovation and technology hub under its 'eight centres' positioning, actively advancing medical technology, connecting global innovation resources, and paving the way for a healthier and more inclusive future.' Over 80 industry experts shared insights on healthcare development The two-day ASGH, jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC under the theme 'Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future', focused on a wide spectrum of topics including public health, medical technology breakthroughs, healthy ageing and global business and investment collaboration. The event featured more than 80 speakers comprising government officials and organisations, research pioneers, investors, and business leaders from around the world, all contributing valuable insights to advance global well-being. Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR Government, delivered a keynote speech during the Plenary Session I: Shaping a More Equitable and Sustainable Health System. Other distinguished speakers, including Dr Wu Xiaobin, Vice President of China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association; Martin Taylor, Representative to China, World Health Organization; Prof Nancy Ip, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Frédéric Rimattei, Special Envoy for International Affairs of the President of French University Hospitals National Association, shared their insights on tackling global healthcare challenges, offering inspiration for the international healthcare community. In Plenary Session II: Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future, speakers engaged in a lively discussion on trends in global healthcare collaboration. Among them was Ambassador George Hara, Group Chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners and former Special Advisor to the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, who remarked that more advanced technology and new government regulations are needed to reach a compromise between companies' profits and patients' needs. During the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health session, Prof John Hardy, Chair of Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, shared his latest research findings and advanced developments in Alzheimer's disease. The summit co-organised sessions under the overarching theme, Shaping the Future of Healthcare, with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for the first time. The discussion focused on the potential of AI in healthcare and how innovation could drive breakthroughs in the field. Dr Alex Ng, President of Tencent Healthcare, commented: 'One uniqueness of tech companies is that they can be easily distracted by the latest thing. But you do need companies with patience and perseverance to stay in healthcare and make it work.' Prof Graham Cooke, Vice-Dean (Research) Medicine of Imperial College London, also noted that embedding patient needs into healthcare systems is critical, as many innovations fail in translation due to a lack of this focus, with universities playing a key role as innovation drivers. In Beyond 'Healthy China 2030': Driving Health Innovation, speakers explored opportunities in the mainland healthcare market. Marc Horn, Executive Vice President of Merck and President of Merck China, highlighted the two-phase approach of 'China for China' followed by 'China for the globe', emphasising healthcare collaboration to develop advanced treatments for global benefit. Dr Zhang Lianshan, Executive Vice President of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., stated: 'We would like to see our health innovation have realisation of its value, not only in China, but also outside of China. That is why we are talking about Globalisation, where we can achieve maximum value.' With growing global attention on healthy ageing, the summit introduced a dedicated Silver Health Chapter. A highlight was the thematic session titled Surfing the Silver Tsunami: Advancements in Geriatrics and Longevity Technology, where Prof Jean Woo, Director of Chinese University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, Prof James L. Kirkland, Director of Cedars-Sinai's Centre for Advanced Gerotherapeutics, and fellow experts explored both the challenges and opportunities posed by ageing populations. Prof Jean Woo highlighted that rapid population ageing is reshaping the global healthcare and socioeconomic landscape. As a city with one of the world's longest life expectancies, Hong Kong must take early action to strengthen elderly care policies and better allocate health resources. Prof James L. Kirkland also noted that geriatricians ultimately aim to help patients with multiple illnesses reduce medication use while treating their conditions more effectively, enhancing their overall quality of life. Over 390 deal-making sessions and cooperation agreements open new global opportunities A key feature of the summit was the ASGH Deal-Making session, which facilitated one-on-one meetings both online and offline, aiming to connect investors and projects in the healthcare sector from around the world to promote global collaborations. Investment projects spanned pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, smart healthcare, and community health and wellness and more than 390 one-on-one meetings were successfully arranged for angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate venture arms, private equity firms and family offices. The summit facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, such as those between Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Emerging Viral Diagnostics, and a tripartite collaboration with PanopticAI and SmartCare, HKSH Medical Group and United Imaging Healthcare, China Resources Guangdong Pharmaceuticals and Hong Kong Medtech Association, Hugobiotech and Bridgeway Healthcare Technology, Canossa Hospital and KA Imaging, and others. These agreements covered diverse healthcare areas, including patient care, diagnostic solutions, innovative medical devices, medical imaging and more. Under the tripartite collaboration agreement between Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, PanopticAI, and SmartCare, the integration of PanopticAI's camera-based vital signs monitoring technology and SmartCare's patient-centered consultation platform will be implemented into Gleneagles clinic in the future. In addition to its discussion sessions, the summit also featured the ASGH Business Hub, showcasing more than 170 innovative technology companies related to the healthcare industry from 13 countries and regions, including the mainland (Shanghai and Xiamen), Australia, and Thailand, presenting projects and solutions across key areas such as medical innovation, smart healthcare, AI, big data, telemedicine, and cybersecurity. Zhong Wei, Co-founder of Mitrassist Lifesciences, joined the Shanghai Pavilion and said that ASGH helped them bring non-invasive medical monitoring technologies to Southeast Asia, Africa, and other Belt and Road Initiative countries. Medical Fair Drives Industry Innovation and Fosters Business Collaboration The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, was held alongside ASGH. The Association—formerly known as the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association—held a renaming ceremony during the fair, showcasing the deep integration of medical technology and the industry. The fair brought together some 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, featuring first-time pavilions from the United Kingdom, Thailand and Israel, along with debut exhibitors from Singapore, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg. In addition, seven local universities, over 30 innovative technology companies at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks pavilion, and more than 20 medical enterprises brought by the Hong Kong MedTech Association participated. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service also participated in the fair for the first time. Under the theme Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience, the exhibition spotlighted three major areas: MedTech, GeronTech and green solutions, with many exhibits featuring applications of AI. Many exhibitors and buyers successfully expanded their networks and forged new partnerships at the exhibition. Among them was Hong Kong exhibitor Eieling Technology, a company founded to commercialise research outcomes from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The firm showcased its non-invasive liver examination technology, which utilises transient elastography technology. Co-founder and CEO Xiaojia Jia noted that only about four companies worldwide possess this technology, making it a major draw for buyers. 'During the exhibition, we received intention orders worth several million Hong Kong dollars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand, involving around ten devices. This is our third year participating, and we've observed a significant rise in buyers' professionalism during our discussions. We look forward to exhibiting again next year.' Karel Lee, CEO of Neoneco from Korea, sourced innovative medical products at the fair with a minimum budget of USD100,000 and he has already identified RhinoCare, an exhibitor from the Israeli pavilion, for its nasal decongestion device, and is also interested in a medical examination device from a Hong Kong exhibitor. Lee stated, 'The exhibition allows us to meet with exhibitors face-to-face, build trust, and accelerate the decision-making process. The HKTDC's Click2Match platform also facilitated efficient business matching. I have already connected with ten exhibitors, and another twenty reached out to me after learning about my sourcing needs. This is one of Asia's premium medical sourcing events, and we will definitely return next year.' Beyond business deals, insightful forums were arranged during the Medical Fair to give inspiration to industry buyers. These included The Latest Development of Regulatory Collaboration on Medical Devices in the Greater Bay Area, The MedTech Nexus of the Greater Bay Area, co-organised with the Hong Kong MedTech Association, and Fostering Silver Economy, Leading Quality Elderly & Rehabilitation Care Practices, co-organised with the HKCSS. These forums attracted a strong attendance and offered valuable insights into healthcare. Selected sessions are available for replay on the Fair's website for extended engagement. This year's Fair continued to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. Global exhibitors, industry professionals, and buyers could make use of the Click2Match and explore sourcing opportunities via HKTDC Sourcing ( Sourcing). Click2Match will remain available until 4 June. Websites International Healthcare Week: Asia Summit On Global Health: Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: Photo download: Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact Yuan Tung Financial Relations Limited: HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Asia Summit on Global Health Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Media Room: About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit:
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Asia Summit on Global Health and Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Wrap Up Successfully
- Over 1,000 investment and business matching meetings lined up underscoring Hong Kong's role as a healthcare investment hub - ASGH brought together more than 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions- Medical Fair attracted some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions- The two flagship events together resulted in over 390 deal-making sessions and more than 660 business matching meetings- Collaboration agreements were signed during the events, covering areas including patient care, diagnostic solutions, innovative medical devices, and medical imaging HONG KONG - May 28, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - The fifth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and the 16th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair), both organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), have drawn to a successful close. As flagship events of International Healthcare Week (IHW), both ASGH and the Medical Fair brought global healthcare stakeholders together, including government officials and organisations, research pioneers, investors, and business leaders. ASGH attracted over 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions, while the Medical Fair received some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries and regions. Over 390 one-on-one deal-making sessions and more than 660 business matching meetings were arranged, facilitating over 1,000 high-quality collaborations and connections. The IHW continues to foster global exchange and cooperation, putting a spotlight on Hong Kong's vast potential in healthcare investment and trade, and reinforcing its position as a regional leading medical hub. Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: "The Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair concluded with outstanding results driving new collaborations and investments, and injecting new momentum into the healthcare industry. The events brought together leaders across government, business, academia, and investment to tackle today's healthcare challenges, highlighting Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international innovation and technology hub under its eight centres' positioning, actively advancing medical technology, connecting global innovation resources, and paving the way for a healthier and more inclusive future." Over 80 industry experts shared insights on healthcare development The two-day ASGH, jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC under the theme Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future', focused on a wide spectrum of topics including public health, medical technology breakthroughs, healthy ageing and global business and investment collaboration. The event featured more than 80 speakers comprising government officials and organisations, research pioneers, investors, and business leaders from around the world, all contributing valuable insights to advance global well-being. Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR Government, delivered a keynote speech during the Plenary Session I: Shaping a More Equitable and Sustainable Health System. Other distinguished speakers, including Dr Wu Xiaobin, Vice President of China Pharmaceutical Innovation and Research Development Association; Martin Taylor, Representative to China, World Health Organization; Prof Nancy Ip, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Frdric Rimattei, Special Envoy for International Affairs of the President of French University Hospitals National Association, shared their insights on tackling global healthcare challenges, offering inspiration for the international healthcare community. In Plenary Session II: Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future, speakers engaged in a lively discussion on trends in global healthcare collaboration. Among them was Ambassador George Hara, Group Chairman and CEO of DEFTA Partners and former Special Advisor to the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, who remarked that more advanced technology and new government regulations are needed to reach a compromise between companies' profits and patients' needs. During the Dialogue with Global Pioneer in Health session, Prof John Hardy, Chair of Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, shared his latest research findings and advanced developments in Alzheimer's disease. The summit co-organised sessions under the overarching theme, Shaping the Future of Healthcare, with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for the first time. The discussion focused on the potential of AI in healthcare and how innovation could drive breakthroughs in the field. Dr Alex Ng, President of Tencent Healthcare, commented: "One uniqueness of tech companies is that they can be easily distracted by the latest thing. But you do need companies with patience and perseverance to stay in healthcare and make it work." Prof Graham Cooke, Vice-Dean (Research) Medicine of Imperial College London, also noted that embedding patient needs into healthcare systems is critical, as many innovations fail in translation due to a lack of this focus, with universities playing a key role as innovation drivers. In Beyond Healthy China 2030': Driving Health Innovation, speakers explored opportunities in the mainland healthcare market. Marc Horn, Executive Vice President of Merck and President of Merck China, highlighted the two-phase approach of "China for China" followed by "China for the globe", emphasising healthcare collaboration to develop advanced treatments for global benefit. Dr Zhang Lianshan, Executive Vice President of Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., stated: "We would like to see our health innovation have realisation of its value, not only in China, but also outside of China. That is why we are talking about Globalisation, where we can achieve maximum value." With growing global attention on healthy ageing, the summit introduced a dedicated Silver Health Chapter. A highlight was the thematic session titled Surfing the Silver Tsunami: Advancements in Geriatrics and Longevity Technology, where Prof Jean Woo, Director of Chinese University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Ageing, Prof James L. Kirkland, Director of Cedars-Sinai's Centre for Advanced Gerotherapeutics, and fellow experts explored both the challenges and opportunities posed by ageing populations. Prof Jean Woo highlighted that rapid population ageing is reshaping the global healthcare and socioeconomic landscape. As a city with one of the world's longest life expectancies, Hong Kong must take early action to strengthen elderly care policies and better allocate health resources. Prof James L. Kirkland also noted that geriatricians ultimately aim to help patients with multiple illnesses reduce medication use while treating their conditions more effectively, enhancing their overall quality of life. Over 390 deal-making sessions and cooperation agreements open new global opportunities A key feature of the summit was the ASGH Deal-Making session, which facilitated one-on-one meetings both online and offline, aiming to connect investors and projects in the healthcare sector from around the world to promote global collaborations. Investment projects spanned pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics, smart healthcare, and community health and wellness and more than 390 one-on-one meetings were successfully arranged for angel investors, venture capitalists, corporate venture arms, private equity firms and family offices. The summit facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, such as those between Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Emerging Viral Diagnostics, and a tripartite collaboration with PanopticAI and SmartCare, HKSH Medical Group and United Imaging Healthcare, China Resources Guangdong Pharmaceuticals and Hong Kong Medtech Association, Hugobiotech and Bridgeway Healthcare Technology, Canossa Hospital and KA Imaging, and others. These agreements covered diverse healthcare areas, including patient care, diagnostic solutions, innovative medical devices, medical imaging and more. Under the tripartite collaboration agreement between Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, PanopticAI, and SmartCare, the integration of PanopticAI's camera-based vital signs monitoring technology and SmartCare's patient-centered consultation platform will be implemented into Gleneagles clinic in the future. In addition to its discussion sessions, the summit also featured the ASGH Business Hub, showcasing more than 170 innovative technology companies related to the healthcare industry from 13 countries and regions, including the mainland (Shanghai and Xiamen), Australia, and Thailand, presenting projects and solutions across key areas such as medical innovation, smart healthcare, AI, big data, telemedicine, and cybersecurity. Zhong Wei, Co-founder of Mitrassist Lifesciences, joined the Shanghai Pavilion and said that ASGH helped them bring non-invasive medical monitoring technologies to Southeast Asia, Africa, and other Belt and Road Initiative countries. Medical Fair Drives Industry Innovation and Fosters Business Collaboration The Medical Fair, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong MedTech Association, was held alongside ASGH. The Associationformerly known as the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Associationheld a renaming ceremony during the fair, showcasing the deep integration of medical technology and the industry. The fair brought together some 300 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, featuring first-time pavilions from the United Kingdom, Thailand and Israel, along with debut exhibitors from Singapore, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg. In addition, seven local universities, over 30 innovative technology companies at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks pavilion, and more than 20 medical enterprises brought by the Hong Kong MedTech Association participated. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service also participated in the fair for the first time. Under the theme Innovations Boosting Smart Health Experience, the exhibition spotlighted three major areas: MedTech, GeronTech and green solutions, with many exhibits featuring applications of AI. Many exhibitors and buyers successfully expanded their networks and forged new partnerships at the exhibition. Among them was Hong Kong exhibitor Eieling Technology, a company founded to commercialise research outcomes from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The firm showcased its non-invasive liver examination technology, which utilises transient elastography technology. Co-founder and CEO Xiaojia Jia noted that only about four companies worldwide possess this technology, making it a major draw for buyers. "During the exhibition, we received intention orders worth several million Hong Kong dollars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand, involving around ten devices. This is our third year participating, and we've observed a significant rise in buyers' professionalism during our discussions. We look forward to exhibiting again next year." Karel Lee, CEO of Neoneco from Korea, sourced innovative medical products at the fair with a minimum budget of USD100,000 and he has already identified RhinoCare, an exhibitor from the Israeli pavilion, for its nasal decongestion device, and is also interested in a medical examination device from a Hong Kong exhibitor. Lee stated, "The exhibition allows us to meet with exhibitors face-to-face, build trust, and accelerate the decision-making process. The HKTDC's Click2Match platform also facilitated efficient business matching. I have already connected with ten exhibitors, and another twenty reached out to me after learning about my sourcing needs. This is one of Asia's premium medical sourcing events, and we will definitely return next year." Beyond business deals, insightful forums were arranged during the Medical Fair to give inspiration to industry buyers. These included The Latest Development of Regulatory Collaboration on Medical Devices in the Greater Bay Area, The MedTech Nexus of the Greater Bay Area, co-organised with the Hong Kong MedTech Association, and Fostering Silver Economy, Leading Quality Elderly & Rehabilitation Care Practices, co-organised with the HKCSS. These forums attracted a strong attendance and offered valuable insights into healthcare. Selected sessions are available for replay on the Fair's website for extended engagement. This year's Fair continued to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. Global exhibitors, industry professionals, and buyers could make use of the Click2Match and explore sourcing opportunities via HKTDC Sourcing ( Sourcing). Click2Match will remain available until 4 June. Websites International Healthcare Week: Asia Summit On Global Health: Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair: Photo download: Media enquiries For enquiries, please contact Yuan Tung Financial Relations Limited: Louise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: lsong@ Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@ HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department: Asia Summit on Global Health Sharon Ha Tel: (852) 2584 4575 Email: Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: Jane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair Kelly Shek Tel: (852) 2584 4537 Email: Clayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: Media Room: About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
No time to waste in reducing the rate of smoking in Hong Kong
Smoking rates remain far too high in many communities around the world, where public health systems are left gasping under growing burdens related to ageing populations and climate change. It was good to see Hong Kong authorities take legislative steps recently to reduce smoking in the city further. Advertisement The government's long-awaited anti-smoking bill was introduced for a first reading in the Legislative Council on April 30. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau told lawmakers the measures would be essential to protect public health. The bill would ban the possession and use of alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes in public. Those who bring illicit cigarettes into the city would face tougher penalties. Some non-smoking areas would be expanded and fines imposed on those caught smoking in queues for public transport or near some building entrances. The government had vowed to pass 10 short-term measures to push the smoking rate below the current 9.1 per cent. Time is running out to reach a goal of 7.8 per cent by this year. While controversial, the move is in the public interest and worth pushing forward. If Legco passes the bill, new laws would go into effect in several stages. Among the earliest would be a New Year's Day implementation of a measure to double fines to HK$3,000 for smoking in prohibited areas. A similar penalty was proposed for offenders under a ban on e-cigarettes to take effect in April 2026. Flavoured tobacco sales and a duty stamp system for cigarettes would start in the second quarter of 2027. Advertisement Lo voiced concern that e-cigarettes and other alternatives were still accessible to young people even though their sale was already banned three years ago. Worryingly, some are found using the devices to abuse the recently banned drug, space oil.
RTHK
09-05-2025
- Health
- RTHK
Lo eases fears over fee markups by private hospitals
Lo eases fears over fee markups by private hospitals Lo Chung-mau said he doesn't think greater price transparency for the private medical sector would cause doctors to mark up fees. File photo: RTHK Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said on Friday he thinks greater transparency with private hospital charges wouldn't cause the sector to mark up prices. The Health Bureau is proposing legal changes that would make it mandatory for private hospitals, clinics and day procedure centres to list the fees they charge for services or give a price range, as well as past fees. If doctors would end up charging 20 percent or more than what's listed, a written explanation would be needed. Violators would be subject to a fine, the amount for which will be settled on after officials consult the sector. At a health services panel meeting at the legislature, several lawmakers expressed concern that the proposals would cause doctors to mark up charges in their list of fees in an attempt to stop issues from cropping up. But Lo said he disagreed because he thinks doing so would only drive patients away. "Patients may not want to agree with such a level of fees," he said. "If you're to exaggerate all the fees – say, a patient is told he may have to fork out HK$1 million just to deal with a problem with the bladder – then I think the patient won't take the service." Several lawmakers, including the DAB's Edward Leung and Roundtable's Michael Tien, called on officials to set deterrent fines for overcharging. Leung even suggested private practitioners should be subject to an outright fine, rather than be required to give a written explanation if they charge 20 percent more than the listed fee. Lo, however, said medical procedures are often complicated and hard to predict, and it would be unreasonable to issue a fine that way. He said patients can file complaints when faced with overcharging in future and that a written explanation would help all sides. Leung also asked whether there would be a price list for cancer treatments, but Lo said what would be listed in such cases would be based on treatment methods instead of the types of disease. That's because cancer, for example, can be treated in a variety of ways. Lo stressed that the government plans to table a bill to the legislature next year and implement the proposals in phases.
RTHK
30-04-2025
- Health
- RTHK
Anti-smoking bill tabled to Legco for first reading
Anti-smoking bill tabled to Legco for first reading Health secretary Lo Chung-mau says it's outrageous that people can still buy alternative smoking products, despite a three-year sales ban. Photo courtesy of Legco Health minister Lo Chung-mau on Wednesday stressed that officials have to introduce measures to clamp down on smoking in order to protect public health, as he introduced the anti-smoking bill at the Legislative Council for its first reading. In the bill tabled to Legco, officials plan to ban the possession and use of alternative smoking products (ASPs), such as e-cigarettes, in public. There would also be tougher penalties for bringing in illicit cigarettes, the expansion of some non-smoking areas, and the introduction of a fine for those who smoke while queuing for public transport and to enter certain premises. Subject to Legco's passage of the bill, the measures will have different implementation dates. The measure to double the fine to HK$3,000 for those who smoke in banned areas, could come into effect as early as New Year's Day. Those who smoke while in a queue will be fined for the same amount. The ban on e-cigarettes would take effect in about a year's time, with offenders subject to a fine of HK$3,000, while the ban on the sale of flavoured tobacco products and a duty stamp system for cigarettes would come in the second quarter of 2027. Lo pointed out there will not be an economic loss as a result of these tobacco control measures. On ASPs, he told lawmakers he found it outrageous that even though their sale had been banned for three years, young people here still have access to these harmful devices. "Unfortunately, despite the ban being implemented for three years, there are still young people who are exposed to these products or e-cigarettes," he said while introducing the bill. "They sometimes use these products to take space oil drug. Who offers these products to our younger generation?" Noting that the healthcare system already faces many challenges with an ageing population and higher medical costs, Lo pointed out that health problems related to smoking would only add burden to the system. After the bill's first reading, it was passed on to the House Committee, which will decide whether or not to set up a bills committee for it.
