Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Zhou Ji and Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today witnessed the accreditation of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) under China's International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version) and officiated at an unveiling ceremony for the Hong Kong Office of the Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Center.

PYNEH is the first hospital in Hong Kong to receive accreditation under the standards.

Addressing those gathered for the occasion, Prof Lo said he was excited about and proud of the hospital's accreditation. He emphasised that the resumption of the Hospital Accreditation Programme in public hospitals in Hong Kong can enhance the quality and safety of such hospitals, ensuring that they continuously improve and are on a par with international standards.

He added that the resumption signifies that the quality of local healthcare has reached new heights, and explained that accreditation under the standards will promote uniformity in healthcare services across the Greater Bay Area.

He also outlined that the accreditation standards developed at national level are of international standing, and said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to push ahead with the accreditation programme.

In addition to PYNEH, which has received accreditation, and Prince of Wales Hospital – which is going through the accreditation process – other public and private hospitals will participate in the programme, Prof Lo stressed.

He said this will not only improve healthcare integration within the bay area and support Hong Kong's integration into national development, but leverage Hong Kong's advantages to demonstrate the excellence of the nation's hospital accreditation standards to the international community.

As for the centre's setting up of an office in Hong Kong, Prof Lo said this can accelerate the accreditation programme in the city and highlights Hong Kong's important role as a gateway to demonstrate and promote the standards to the international community.