Financial Secretary Paul Chan has called on Hong Kong's surgical robotics industry to expand access to care beyond achieving technical precision, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity in medical innovation. At the inaugural Surgical Futures Forum, Chan emphasized the current challenges of design and cost, noting that today's robotic systems are primarily suited to the best-resourced hospitals, which limits their widespread adoption. Speaking of the industry's progress, Chan pointed to the September investment by global medical company Medtronic, which has committed to distribute Cornerstone Robotics' surgical systems in international markets, signaling a significant endorsement of Hong Kong's innovation capabilities.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan underscored the importance of innovation serving a broader population, saying that while progress in surgical robotics must include better technology, it must also ensure that more patients have access to these advancements. By leveraging strategic investments and international partnerships, Chan aims to accelerate the global expansion of surgical robotics, thereby democratizing access to advanced medical care. Chan highlighted several instances, including a robotically developed platform used in a leading surgical training center in France, as evidence of Hong Kong's ability to train surgeons from around the world.
Turning to the broader ecosystem, Chan framed Hong Kong as a comprehensive support system for medical-device innovation, emphasizing the integration of patient capital, biotech fundraising, regulatory frameworks, clinical data collection, and cross-border trials. This holistic approach aims to create a seamless environment for medical-device companies to innovate and scale internationally, making it an attractive hub for global investment and collaboration in the medical robotics sector. Chan's vision for Hong Kong includes not only fostering local industry but also promoting a global market presence for medical technology developed in the city.