UK and Hong Kong sign MOU on health co-operation
On 15 October 2015 the UK and Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding on health co-operation.
On 15 October Jane Ellison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health, and Dr Ko Wing-man, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on health co-operation, which was witnessed by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and the Hong Kong Chief Executive C Y Leung.
The UK and Hong Kong have agreed to work together on healthcare policy, including on primary care systems, non-communicable diseases such as dementia and the use of technology in healthcare; and on healthcare protection, including antimicrobial resistance and the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Under the MOU the UK and Hong Kong will also share experience on the regulation of traditional medicines and exchange information and views on the design and development of new hospitals and the redevelopment of existing hospital facilities.
British Consul General, Caroline Wilson commented:
The UK and Hong Kong share many of the same health care challenges, including those of a growing ageing population, the rise of non-communicable diseases such as dementia, and the need to improve primary care to reduce reliance on hospital care. We are pleased to have agreed this MOU with Hong Kong which provides for greater co-operation on healthcare and related issues as we work to reform our respective healthcare systems.
The UK and Hong Kong already cooperate closely on a range of public health issues and the MOU will provide a framework for increased collaboration in these areas.