Three local universities officially submitted their proposals to the government to establish the city's third medical school on Monday.

The Task Group on New Medical School confirmed that it has received proposals from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

The government task force said its next step will be to evaluate the proposals according to 10 key parameters set, including innovative strategic positioning, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, and financial sustainability.

Interviews are planned within the second quarter of this year with the candidate universities. The task force is expected to complete the evaluation and make recommendations to the government within this year.

HKUST said its 150-page proposal envisions a medical school that nurtures a new generation of doctors who are clinically competent, tech-savvy and possess a scientific mindset, leveraging its strengths in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

The university has signed agreements with over 20 medical institutions and hospitals in mainland China, the United Kingdom and the United States, aimed to bring about practicum opportunities and joint research initiatives.

HKUST president Nancy Ip Yuk-yu said: “We are confident that our proposed school will elevate the city as an international beacon of medical innovation while empowering future leaders to transform patient care around the world.”

HKBU pitches a new medical school named “Frontier Integrative Medical College” that focuses on bridging the practices of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.

It aims to “harmoniously integrate innovative technologies and cutting-edge research with the timeless wisdom of traditional and Chinese medicine coupled together with the Western medicine’s forward-thinking,” a statement read.

HKBU president Alex Wai Ping-kong expressed confidence that the institution’s proposal will offer “extremely competitive elements” that address the key parameters outlined by the government.

PolyU said its proposed medical school aims to nurture more outstanding doctors to meet the healthcare needs of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The university expressed confidence that with its strong scientific research capabilities, solid foundation in medical education, and rich experience, it will be able to cooperate with the proposals put forward in last year's Policy Address to help Hong Kong develop into an international hub for medical innovation.

(Jamie Liu)

Three universities hand in proposals for HK's third medical school