The Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced on March 31 the extension of its cross-border medical pilot program, allowing eligible patients from Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority (HA) system to continue receiving subsidized outpatient care at the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) until March 31, 2026.
Since its launch on May 10, 2023, the pilot scheme has received positive feedback. By the end of February 2025, over 5,100 eligible patients had joined the program, with more than 60% aged 65 or above. A patient satisfaction survey conducted by HKU-SZH between late 2024 and early 2025 found that around 90% of respondents were satisfied with the services provided.
To further enhance the quality and precision of care, the Hong Kong government has refined the program’s guidelines. Starting April 1, patients must now visit the corresponding outpatient department at HKU-SZH that aligns with their follow-up appointment in the HA system in order to receive the subsidy.