Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today co-chaired the first meeting of the Task Group on New Medical School to discuss strategic directions and major parameters for the establishment of a third medical school in Hong Kong.

The task group concluded that the third medical school should adopt an innovative strategic positioning in pursuit of complementary development with the two existing medical schools.

It recommended that the curriculum design of the new medical school should be accorded top priority and that the medical curriculum should meet the requirements stipulated by the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

The task force also required that arrangements should also be made for medical students to undergo adequate clinical training to ensure they are well equipped with both professional knowledge and clinical skills to safeguard the interest of patients.

Additionally, the new medical school should set out a forward-looking and long-term development plan for its campus and teaching facilities, as well as an interim arrangement for a campus and a teaching hospital if admission of students is essential before the long-term facilities are available, alongside strategies to ensure financial soundness.

Prof Lo said the establishment of a third medical school is a significant project in the development of medical education in Hong Kong.

“Not only will it attract global talent and nurture more outstanding doctors to reinforce the city's healthcare system in the sustainable provision of healthcare services with enhanced quality and quantity, but also serves to promote high-quality development in medical education and research, dovetailing with the city's development as an international hub for medical training, research and innovation.”

Noting that the establishment of a new medical school will elevate Hong Kong's position as an international education hub, Ms Choi supplemented that the scope of local medical teaching and research will be expanded through an innovative curriculum design and diversified student recruitment arrangements, complementing the goals of nurturing future talent and promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.

Land will also reserved in the Northern Metropolis Ngau Tam Mei for the new medical school campus and the associated integrated medical teaching and research hospital.