Hong Kong Health Minister Defends Plan to Allow Non-Permanent Residents to Practice Medicine

As Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, the South China Morning Post talks to the city’s senior officials about the administration’s achievements so far and what may lie ahead.

Allowing all doctors without permanent residency to work in Hong Kong will not threaten the careers of local practitioners, the health minister has said as he defended a proposal to revamp the medical registration regime.

In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said the relaxation of licensing rules was aimed at attracting more younger doctors to the city.

“The existing restriction hindered our talent recruitment. It is incredibly difficult to attract specialists – such as consultants and professors – because they have already settled into their careers and their family lives abroad,” Lo said.

“Recruitment data from the Hospital Authority and universities showed that there are many young, high-quality doctors who have not yet attained specialist qualifications [from abroad]. If we can recruit them early, they can integrate into our system sooner and make a faster contribution.”

A bill allowing the changes is expected to be sent to the legislature in two weeks.