Hong Kong Delegation Attends Beijing Traditional Medicine Conference
Secretary for Health Professor Lo Chung-mau led a delegation to Beijing on October 17, 2026, to attend the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026, info.gov.hk reported. The high-level gathering brings together senior health officials, experts, and academics from around the globe to discuss legislation, regulation, artificial intelligence integration, and the incorporation of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems.
The conference is jointly organized by the World Health Organization alongside the National Health Commission, the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the National Medical Products Administration, and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality. At the opening ceremony, Professor Lo listened to a keynote speech delivered by Premier Li Qiang.
Strategic Integration of Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong
Speaking during a panel discussion at the traditional medicine government forum, Professor Lo outlined Hong Kong’s strategic roadmap for embedding Chinese medicine into its public health framework. He noted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes heritage, innovation, and enhanced primary care services within traditional medicine.
To align with this national vision, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is advancing initiatives through two primary flagship institutions: The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute. Professor Lo stated that these bodies will promote pure Chinese medicine and integrated Chinese-Western treatments as a distinct model for modern healthcare systems.
High-Level Meetings with National Health Officials
During the event, Professor Lo and his delegation met separately with Vice Minister of the NHC Mr Zheng Zhe and the Commissioner of the NMPA, Mr Huang Guo. Discussions focused on introducing the healthcare policies outlined in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030) and the recent Policy Address.
In his meeting with Mr Zheng, Professor Lo highlighted Hong Kong’s world-leading health indicators and high life expectancies. He emphasized that Hong Kong’s regional planning connects directly with the national strategy to build a Healthy China by 2035, focusing on primary healthcare reform and enhanced service resilience.
Advancing the Centre for Medical Products Regulation
In his discussions with Mr Huang, Professor Lo provided an update on the establishment of the CMPR. The agency aims to build a robust drug approval framework and apply for membership in the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. The agency plans to fully implement a primary evaluation mechanism for new drug registrations by 2030.
Conference Schedule and Upcoming Return
The Hong Kong delegation includes representatives from the Health Bureau, Department of Health, and Hospital Authority.
Delegation members are scheduled to continue participating in conference sessions on October 18, 2026. Professor Lo will take part in a high-level government forum: “Belt and Road Traditional Chinese Medicine Development Conference (Ministerial Level) Roundtable Dialogue” before the delegation returns to Hong Kong on the afternoon of October 18, 2026.
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