Cross-border ambulance service pilot scheme begins tomorrow

The HKSAR government, in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Government, the Shenzhen Municipal Government and the Macao SAR Government, will officially launch the one-year Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) on Friday.

Authorities said the first phase of the pilot scheme will start by arranging direct cross-boundary ambulance transfer of patients from designated sending hospitals in Shenzhen and Macao - the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital and the Conde S. Januario Hospital of Macao - to designated public hospitals in Hong Kong.

Subject to the effectiveness and operational experience of the pilot scheme, authorities will further consider arrangements for expanding the scheme in its next phase.

Under the mechanism of direct cross-boundary ambulance arrangements, upon assessment and agreement by the teams of designated cross-boundary collaborating hospitals, arrangements can be made for patients with specific clinical needs and suitable clinical conditions to be transferred directly to Hong Kong between designated hospitals in a point-to-point mode without the handover of patients between ambulances at boundary control points, thus minimizing risks posed to patients during transfer, according to a government statement.

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said the launch of the pilot scheme marks a new height in high-quality medical collaboration and development in the GBA while addressing the earnest anticipation of residents in the GBA.

“The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to deepen healthcare collaboration with other GBA cities to further boost healthcare integration within the GBA, thus building a Healthy Bay Area through joint endeavors and starting a new chapter for high-quality development in the GBA.” Lo added.