Norman Ng, Director of Patient Advocacy and Public Affairs at Healthcare Thinkers, shared on LinkedIn:
“Hong Kong – Update the Cancer Strategy
Hong Kong’s existing 2020–2025 Cancer Strategy is approaching expiry. Although it built a baseline for cancer services, the framework can no longer keep pace with rising cancer cases and rapid advances in oncology. Over 105 Hongkongers are diagnosed with cancer every single day.
Four key priorities should feature in a refreshed strategy:
- Accelerate access to innovative cancer treatments. Embed streamlined HTA, Managed Entry Agreements and the HA Office for Innovative Medicines within official policy to cut waiting times for subsidised novel therapies.
- Roll out permanent, territory-wide risk-based screening, including subsidised LDCT lung cancer screening for high-risk groups, supported by AI early detection tools.
- Boost long-term survivorship care, spanning rehabilitation and mental health. Institutionalise structured dialogue with patient organisations to incorporate frontline patient perspectives.
- Strengthen cancer data analytics, local research and cross-border collaboration to align with global cancer care standards.
Early detection and timely access to effective treatments save lives. We look forward to having the HKSAR Government to launch multi-stakeholder consultation promptly to devise a forward-looking updated Cancer Strategy. A modernised roadmap is essential to ease Hong Kong’s cancer burden and deliver equitable care for all patients.”
Other posts featuring Norman Ng on OncoDaily.