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The ‘Primary Healthcare Summit 2024’, organised by the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Collaboratory of the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), was officially opened today (8 November). The two-day Summit, themed ‘Primary Healthcare Reform: Towards a Better Future’, brings together professionals from government, academia, healthcare, public health, nursing, technology and related fields to discuss the latest developments, challenges and opportunities in Hong Kong's primary healthcare reform, as well as to encourage cross-sector collaboration to advance the development of primary healthcare for the benefit of the community.

The opening ceremony was graced by Dr Pang Fei-chau, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Primary Healthcare Commission of the Health Bureau, HKSAR Government; Professor Zhang Xiang, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU; and Professor Chak-sing Lau, Vice-President & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine, HKU. The Summit featured a series of forward-looking keynote speeches and panel discussions, led by industry experts. Over 800 professionals from relevant sectors around the world attended the event, engaging in in-depth exchanges, sharing valuable insights on the future development of primary healthcare in Hong Kong, and holding discussions about the implementation of primary healthcare services in District Health Centres (DHCs). The Department of Health, Hospital Authority and Primary Healthcare Commission are key supporting organisations of the two-day Summit.

In recent years, the HKSAR Government has been actively promoting the development of primary healthcare. The ‘Primary Healthcare Blueprint’, launched in 2022, aims to address the challenges posed by the ageing population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising demand for healthcare. The blueprint outlines policies to improve the overall health of citizens and to provide accessible and integrated healthcare services by addressing service delivery, governance, resources, manpower and technology in the healthcare system.

In his welcoming address, Professor Zhang Xiang, HKU President and Vice-Chancellor, said, ‘HKU and the LKS Faculty of Medicine are committed to fully supporting the Government in enhancing primary healthcare in Hong Kong. On behalf of the Faculty, I am excited to announce today the establishment of a new Lancet Commission named “Transformation of Primary Healthcare in the post-COVID era”. This expert Commission targets to make recommendations by mid-2026 on resource reallocation and to improve the delivery of more person-centred and accessible primary healthcare for all.’

At the opening of the Summit, Dr Pang Fei-chau thanked HKUMed for its tireless efforts and commitment to the education and development of healthcare professionals and for organising the Summit. He said, ‘The 2024 Policy Address reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the development of primary healthcare. The Summit has brought together a diverse and accomplished group of healthcare professionals, researchers, service providers and other stakeholders in the primary healthcare field to share their views on the future pathway of primary healthcare and the formulation of strategies to tackle the challenges ahead. Together, we can pave the way for a healthier future for all.’

Professor Chak-sing Lau said, ‘HKUMed is a key stakeholder in Hong Kong’s healthcare development and has always been committed to the health and well-being of the community. A robust primary healthcare system needs to be “people-oriented”, providing comprehensive, continuous and well-structured healthcare services. To support this important government initiative, the Faculty established the “Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Collaboratory” early this year. Through multi-disciplinary education, professional training, research, knowledge transfer and collaboration, we aim to contribute to the development of the primary healthcare system, thus improving citizens’ health and enhancing their quality of life. The Collaboratory’s dedicated team, consisting of researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals, will assist the government in promoting primary healthcare policies and advance practices using evidence-based strategies and frameworks.’

The ‘Primary Healthcare Summit 2024’ is the first major event organised by the Collaboratory. Through keynote speeches and panel discussions, the Summit explored a wide range of issues related to the development of primary healthcare, including the government’s primary healthcare policies and new initiatives, the operation of DHCs and DHC Expresses, manpower training and human resources, and how to empower the public to manage their own health. Participants will also delve into undergraduate education and professional training in primary healthcare, cross-professional collaboration, the transformation of primary healthcare in the post-pandemic era, the role of technological advancements in primary healthcare, and lessons learned from other places. The conclusions gathered at the Summit and the valuable insights shared by various stakeholders will provide valuable references for primary healthcare reform.

Professor Lau emphasised that the success of the Summit marks a significant milestone for HKUMed in promoting primary healthcare reform. He looked forward to the continued support for the Collaboratory from various stakeholders in the field to drive the development of the primary healthcare system for a healthier and better Hong Kong.

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Please contact LKS Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong by email (medmedia@hku.hk).