The Task Group on New Medical School convened its second meeting today, setting out 10 key parameters for consideration of proposals on the establishment of a third medical school.

The task group also decided that a letter will be issued on December 2 to all universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC), inviting such institutes to submit proposals by March 17, 2025.

The task group listed out the 10 key parameters for consideration.

1. Innovative strategic positioning: Complement the development of the two local medical schools to promote diversification and internationalisation;

2. Staffing: Recruit high-calibre international and local teaching professionals to establish a professional medical teaching and research team;

3. Campus and teaching facilities: Plan a modernised campus equipped with state-of-the-art teaching facilities;

4. Clinical exposure and learning resources: Illustrate the plan for a teaching hospital, and collaborate with healthcare institutions in Hong Kong and the GBA;

5. Curriculum structure and assessment methodologies: Adopt an accredited medical curriculum framework, incorporating competency-based assessments and innovative teaching methods;

6. Student admission arrangements: Offer a graduate-entry programme to attract local and non-local students;

7. Funding arrangements: Develop a diversified funding plan, combined with viable financial management, to ensure long-term and sustainable development of the medical school;

8. Implementation plan: Formulate a comprehensive roadmap for the medical school's implementation, with phased progression in infrastructure construction, curriculum design, and faculty recruitment;

9. Teaching and learning quality: Ensure the quality of medical curriculum meets international high standards, and leverage on innovative teaching and assessment methods to nurture high-quality medical professionals and enrich whole-person development; and

10. Research excellence: Promote medical innovation and scientific research development, and foster global partnerships to position the school as a leader in regional and international medical research.

Speaking during the assembly of the Task Group on New Medical School, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau stressed that Hong Kong is facing challenges posed by an ageing population and a growing demand for healthcare services.

“The establishment of the third medical school is crucial to the future development of healthcare services in the city.”

Acting Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai also attended the meeting and stressed that the establishment of a new medical school can nurture more medical talent and enhance the academic and research excellence of the medical sector.

Mr Sze said: “As part of the Northern Metropolis University Town, the new medical school can introduce more research collaborations and exchange projects with neighbouring post-secondary institutions or industries in a flexible and innovative manner, which will help enhance the overall synergy."

Apart from issuing invitations for proposals to the UGC-funded universities, the task group will invite their representatives to attend a government briefing session on December 10 to introduce the arrangements for the proposals’ submission.

Additionally, the task group will formulate criteria for assessing proposals to ensure that a qualified and eligible university will be selected in a transparent and fair manner for the establishment of the new medical school.

It is anticipated that the task group will complete the assessments and make recommendations to the Government within 2025.