Wu Yihuan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has called for the better use of the legislative power of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone to break down institutional barriers in carrying out cross-border medical cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
“It is hoped that through revision of medical laws and regulations in Shenzhen, some health-care technologies, medical devices and drugs that have been approved for clinical application in Hong Kong can be used in some special medical institutions in Shenzhen,” said Wu in an interview during the annual meeting of the national political advisory body.
Wu, who is also vice mayor of Shenzhen, suggested that the qualifications of Hong Kong doctors and foreign doctors be evaluated, and barriers be broken down in terms of their professional titles and ranks to make it more convenient for them to practice medicine in Shenzhen.
The national political adviser gave an example of how Shenzhen and Hong Kong, during the height of COVID-19, had joined forces last year to arrange for Hong Kong patients with chronic diseases residing in Guangdong Province follow-up medical consultations at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital.
Wu considered the move as iconic and indicative of the importance of continuing cross-border services between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
“We should make full use of the legislative power of Shenzhen in building Shenzhen into a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics. By using the legislative power to carry out pilot reforms, Shenzhen can sum up replicable experiences,” said Wu.
According to Wu, Shenzhen has made a lot of explorations in building a benchmark city where quality medical services are accessible to all citizens. The city has gradually placed more emphasis on preventive health services and the consolidation of medical network at the grassroots level.