Macau doctors to train in HK next year

Macau doctors will come to Hong Kong for specialist training early next year as health authorities of the two SARs launch a new training program, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said.

This came as 92 Guangdong healthcare professionals have arrived in Hong Kong and started working at public hospitals, with 100 more coming early next year, he said.

Replying to lawmaker Chan Pui-leung's question on medics exchange in the Greater Bay Area, Lo said the Hospital Authority has reached a consensus with the Health Bureau of Macau to launch a Macau specialist trainee program.

"The first batch of doctors from Macau is expected to come here for training in the first quarter of 2024," he said.

Lo also said 92 health professionals from various Guangdong cities have arrived as of the end of October, comprising 10 doctors, 70 nurses, seven Chinese medicine practitioners and five radiographers.

The mainlanders will work at public hospitals for different durations.

"Taking doctors as an example, the 10 doctors from Guangdong province who participated in the first phase of the exchange will be in Hong Kong for a period of one year," Lo said.

"They have been approved by the Medical Council of Hong Kong to practice with limited registration. Generally, the maximum duration of limited registration is three years, before having the option to apply for renewal."

Lo said mainland health professionals can also participate in clinical services and cooperate with Hong Kong health professionals.

"This provides a good opportunity for mutual learning and enhancement of clinical work standards for healthcare professionals of both places and helps alleviate the pressure of manpower shortage in the HA," he said, adding that both Hong Kong and mainland medics have "positive responses" to the exchange program.

Lo said the SAR will further welcome over 100 Guangdong doctors and nurses from various departments - including ophthalmologists - in the first quarter of 2024.

The HA, meanwhile, will send Hong Kong medics to Guangdong public hospitals for learning and exchange, Lo said, adding HA radiographers will be sent to top Guangdong hospitals early next year for technical exchange.

And the HA is also mulling sending local professionals to other mainland cities - such as Beijing and Shanghai - to establish a "two-way talent exchange" so that locals can learn about the mainland's public healthcare system, Lo said.