Health Bureau renews cooperation with Hong Kong counterpart

The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement that it has renewed its cooperation agreement with Hong Kong health authorities for another five years (2018-2023).

The renewal took place at a meeting during the Hong Kong delegation’s visit to Macau last month, where the developments of medical services in both regions were also addressed.

This is the second time that such an agreement has been renewed after its establishment in 2007. The document formalizes the two regions’ relations in terms of healthcare exchange and cooperation. It covers topics such as academic and technical exchanges, professional training, management of urgent medical care and emergency supplies; as well as exchange of information regarding the monitoring and control of diseases.

SSM director Lei Chin Ion thanked the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong for all the support, highlighting the training activities of health personnel in both regions.

Lei added that the Hong Kong authorities had provided crucial help and guidance during the accreditation of Conde de São Januário Hospital Center, which was carried out by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.

Bone marrow donation is another area in which the two regions have cooperated, following a bone marrow registry agreement inked in 2012. As of April, more than 900 local residents have registered as donors and one has successfully donated blood stem cells. The agreement is being reviewed and may be updated as it is due to expire this December.

John Leong, the President of the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong, said he is pleased with the work that has been carried out thus far and will seek to continue the cooperation.
Leung Pak-yin, the Executive Chief of the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong, also noted that the regions’ authorities are in the midst of negotiations regarding further training for medical specialists in Macau.