Hong Kong University of Science and Technology proposes setting up city’s third medical school
- ‘As Hong Kong’s population ages, the demand for healthcare and medical services becomes even more urgent,’ spokeswoman says
- Lawmakers say HKUST should identify niche for medical programme or consider first opening dentistry school
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has proposed setting up a third medical school in the city to address the mounting need for more healthcare services, the institution has said.
Lawmakers also revealed after meeting university president Nancy Ip Yuk-yu that it was hoped the new school would start admitting students after two to three years.
“As Hong Kong’s population ages, the demand for healthcare and medical services becomes even more urgent,” an HKUST spokeswoman told the Post, confirming the university had contacted relevant stakeholders to explore the feasibility of establishing the new school.
She added that the university hoped to build on its focus areas in health sector technology, biomedical science and translational medicine, a discipline that seeks to turn findings into new diagnostic tools, medicine and procedures.
A council member said the university’s proposal would go to the government for approval and the institution would raise funds for the new school if it got the nod.
The city’s two medical schools are operated by the University of Hong Kong and Chinese University, while degrees for other healthcare-related professions, such as nursing, are also offered by other institutions.
Edward Leung Hei, a lawmaker attending one of the briefing sessions on Wednesday, said HKUST hoped to enrol 50 students in the new school after two to three years, and also allow those with degrees in other subjects to apply to switch disciplines.
