HONG KONG – The Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) 2025 opened with a powerful call to tackle two of the most pressing challenges in healthcare: equity and sustainability. As healthcare systems around the world face rising costs, aging populations, and a growing burden of chronic diseases, the summit’s opening session focused on finding real solutions through innovation, collaboration, and policy reform.
Global access to affordable, quality healthcare remains uneven. The discussion at the plenary stressed that building fair and sustainable systems is critical—not only for individual well-being but also for global economic stability.
Leaders Unite to Address Global Health Challenges
The opening session featured voices from government, academia, and industry. Key speakers included Hong Kong’s Secretary for Health Professor Lo Chung-mau, Mr. Feng Haicang from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Professor Nancy Y. Ip, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Together, they explored how to close access gaps, respond to chronic disease burdens, and push for policy changes that support universal health coverage.
Why Equity and Sustainability Matter
Across the world, many people still lack access to basic medical services. Barriers like poverty, remote locations, and social inequality keep care out of reach. At the same time, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease are straining healthcare resources. Aging populations in Asia and Europe are increasing demand for long-term care, pushing costs higher.
In the United States, for instance, national health spending is expected to rise by 5.4% annually from 2022 to 2031—reaching 20% of GDP by 2031. Without reforms, these costs could overwhelm systems and leave vulnerable groups without support.
The ASGH 2025 discussions highlighted how innovation and global cooperation can help avoid this outcome. By encouraging new policies and technologies, the summit aims to improve both access and affordability.
Hong Kong’s Healthcare Model: A Global Example
Professor Lo pointed to Hong Kong’s public healthcare system as a strong example of universal access. “Our public healthcare system serves as a safety net for all,” he said. “It provides universal health coverage with a subsidy rate of over 97% to ensure that no one is denied adequate treatment due to lack of means.”
Hong Kong has one of the world’s highest life expectancies—over 83 years for men and 88 for women. But the system is also facing pressure from rising costs and an aging population. These challenges are shared globally, making Hong Kong’s policy innovations especially relevant.
Integrating Traditional and Western Medicine
Hong Kong is blending traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with modern practices to expand treatment options. Professor Lo noted that government-subsidized TCM clinics are now available in all 18 districts. Elderly healthcare vouchers can also be used for TCM services.
By 2025, the city will open a 400-bed TCM hospital, aiming to serve as a global model for integration. A new TCM Testing Institute will help set international standards for herbal medicine, which could influence pharmaceutical development worldwide.
Innovation to Drive Sustainable Care
Hong Kong is positioning itself as a center for healthcare innovation. Backed by China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the “one country, two systems” framework, the city is building a new Center for Medical Products Regulation. This will simplify the approval process for drugs and medical devices, using a “one plus” approach that requires approval from just one reference authority and local clinical data.
These efforts echo global strategies like the U.S. FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Europe’s PRIME scheme, which have sped up access to life-saving treatments, especially for rare diseases and cancer. Faster approvals mean better outcomes for patients who can’t afford to wait.
Scaling Up Clinical Trials
Launched in 2024, the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute uses the region’s population of 86 million to run large-scale trials. This accelerates drug development and helps ensure new treatments reach more people faster, including those in underserved communities.
Investing in the Healthcare Workforce
A sustainable healthcare system needs skilled professionals. Hong Kong is expanding medical school admissions and recruiting qualified non-local talent. A third medical school will be built in the northern metropolis to train doctors focused on patient care.
“Our fundamental goal is to train doctors who in every decision and every moment are fit to practice and put patients first,” said Professor Lo.
Universities: The Engine of Innovation
Universities are playing a critical role in advancing healthcare solutions. Professor Nancy Ip called them “global connectors” and “neutral platforms” that can link different sectors and countries.
Hong Kong universities are integrating AI and digital health into their curricula. HKUST startups have developed FDA-approved apps for contactless health monitoring, expanding access in remote and underserved areas.
France also shared its approach to maintaining universal health coverage. Facing similar issues with aging populations and rising costs, France is focusing on training more healthcare professionals and balancing care across all levels of the system.
A Shared Commitment to Global Health
Speakers agreed that solving healthcare’s biggest challenges requires global cooperation. Hong Kong, as a neutral and well-connected city, plays a unique role in global health diplomacy. By bridging East and West, it promotes partnerships that support equity, innovation, and resilience.
“We are not just participating in the future of global health,” Professor Lo said. “We are helping to shape it.”
The message was clear: building fair, strong, and sustainable healthcare systems is a global responsibility. Collaboration across sectors and borders will be key to ensuring healthcare is a universal right—not a privilege—for future generations.
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