Policy Address 2024 | HK to develop low-altitude economy and expand medical education
Chief Executive John Lee delivered his third Policy Address this Wednesday (October 16). During a radio interview today (October 19), Lee emphasized the importance of establishing a third medical school in Hong Kong, citing the need to improve the doctor-to-patient ratio and enhance public health through various measures.
Lee acknowledged that the number of doctors in Hong Kong is comparatively lower than in other advanced cities. While the two existing medical schools have already increased their intake of students, Lee stressed that training doctors is a long-term process. To address this, he proposed a multi-pronged approach that includes increasing student enrollment, recruiting qualified overseas doctors, and establishing a third medical school.
The third medical school, according to Lee, will focus on differentiated development and leverage its strengths by inviting specialists from overseas with expertise in specific fields to teach in Hong Kong. He noted that while the process will take time, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau has already set up a task force to expedite the initiative. Lee emphasized that the goal is to implement the plan as quickly as possible, stating, "We will move as fast as we can."
In addition to healthcare, Lee addressed the potential for developing a "low-altitude economy" in Hong Kong. This area has been underdeveloped due to the lack of relevant legislation. He explained that while dense high-rises characterize Hong Kong, the city must develop its low-altitude economy considering local conditions.
Lee pointed out that mainland China has an advantage in low-altitude logistics and transportation, and he hopes Hong Kong can leverage this through connectivity with Shenzhen. He stressed the need for a secure system, noting that while satellite navigation technology is highly advanced, even a brief disruption in communication could lead to serious consequences.
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