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Opinion | Bright future for biomedical innovation awaits Hong Kong with the right market conditions
- A pro-innovation healthcare system and favourable business environment could persuade multinational biotech companies to put more resources into Hong Kong
- Collaboration across bureaus, borders and sectors is paramount, and the Greater Bay Area should aim to be a pioneer in China
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As we look back on 2022, the Health Bureau has done a remarkable job in demonstrating its professionalism, accountability and collaborative spirit. Covid-19 is under control, and Hong Kong is open for business again. More district health centres are operating, and a primary healthcare blueprint has been released.
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As the city shifts its focus back to economic growth and the government redefines its development objectives, it is time to ask what the Health Bureau can do in 2023 and beyond.
China’s 14th five-year plan positions Hong Kong as a global innovation and technology (I&T) centre. One key mission in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s 2022 policy address is to attract top-notch innovative enterprises. The Health Bureau’s critical role in this ambition for biomedical innovation is often overlooked. A pro-innovation healthcare system and favourable business environment could persuade multinational biotech companies to put more resources into Hong Kong.
The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau needs to work with the Health Bureau on biomedical innovations: its assistance is instrumental to preclinical research and manufacturing, for example.
Health Bureau collaboration is critical in the clinical development phase, for clinical trials and product registration. Once a product is launched, adoption in the public healthcare sector can benefit patients and accumulate data and expertise early.
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The accelerated adoption of innovative practices in the public healthcare sector brings benefits to both patients and innovators. Indeed, innovations are only meaningful if they are accessible to those who need them.
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