HA Convention expected to attract 8,000 attendees: First day announces establishment of HK's first chest pain center

Hong Kong

2025.05.26 13:32

HA Convention expected to attract 8,000 attendees: First day announces establishment of HK's first chest pain center. (DDN)

The 2025 Hospital Authority (HA) Convention officially opened this morning at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing thousands of medical professionals, policymakers, and global experts to discuss healthcare advancements and regional cooperation. The three-day event, themed around innovation and patient-centered care, highlights Hong Kong's ambition to strengthen its role as a medical hub bridging mainland China and the world.

In his opening speech, Cao Xuetao praised Hong Kong's "world-class medical facilities, top-tier talent, and groundbreaking achievements" in clinical care, drug development, and education. He emphasized the city's longstanding collaboration with the mainland and urged deeper integration into national initiatives, such as the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute and the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan echoed this vision, outlining plans to leverage the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation Park for cross-border medical projects and expand digital health tools like the eHealth app.

HA Chairman Henry Fan detailed reforms to address challenges posed by an aging population and rising costs, including governance restructuring and fee adjustments. He stressed the integration of AI and telemedicine to enhance clinical efficiency while prioritizing patient safety. Meanwhile, Queen Mary Hospital marked the launch of Hong Kong's first Chest Pain Center, certified under mainland standards to streamline emergency cardiac care through pre-hospital diagnostics and "green channel" protocols.

The convention, featuring 190 speakers from over a dozen countries, will explore topics ranging from pandemic preparedness to ethical AI in healthcare. With an expected 8,000 attendees, the event underscores Hong Kong's push to solidify its status as Asia's leading medical innovation hub while fostering closer ties with mainland counterparts.