The task group on the proposed third medical school in Hong Kong has decided to invite local universities interested in the project to submit their proposals by March next year.

The Task Group on New Medical School, co-chaired by Secretary for Health Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau and Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin, convened its second meeting on Thursday and set the deadline for the proposals on March 17.

The task group will send the letters of invitation to all universities funded by the University Grants Committee on Dec 2.

"Hong Kong is facing challenges posed by an ageing population and a growing demand for healthcare services. The establishment of the third medical school is crucial to the future development of healthcare services in the city,” Lo said. 

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The task group also set out 10 key parameters for consideration when they go over the proposals from interested universities.

He said that the new medical school should shoulder the mission of nurturing more talented doctors for Hong Kong to support the local healthcare system and enhance healthcare services.

"The establishment of the new medical school can nurture more medical talent and enhance the academic and research excellence of the medical sector, which is conducive to developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub,” Acting Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai said.

According to the task group’s parameters, the new school should complement the development of the two existing medical schools in Hong Kong to promote diversification and internationalization.

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It should also recruit high-caliber international and local teaching professionals to establish a professional medical teaching and research team. 

Proposals should also illustrate a plan for a teaching hospital, and collaborate with healthcare institutions in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to provide diverse clinical training opportunities.

The Hong Kong SAR government will hold a briefing session on Dec 10 to introduce to interested universities the arrangements for the submission of their proposals.