Director of Health visits State Administration for Market Regulation and National Institutes for Drug Control in Beijing (with photos)

Strengthening Drug Safety and Biological Product Testing

During the visit, the Hong Kong delegation toured the biological products laboratory at the National Institutes for Drug Control (NIDC) in Beijing. The tour was part of a broader effort to exchange expertise and strengthen testing capabilities for biological products, which are critical to ensuring the safety and efficacy of vaccines, blood products, and other advanced therapies. Dr Lam highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration, noting that the NIDC had recently organised a four-week training programme for professional officers from Hong Kong’s Department of Health and the Government Laboratory. This initiative, aligned with the 2026 bilateral work plan between the Hong Kong Department of Health and the National Medical Products Administration, aims to enhance technical skills through mutual learning and joint practice.

The training programme reflects a practical approach to capacity building, allowing Hong Kong scientists to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge testing methodologies while sharing local insights. Such exchanges are vital as both sides work to harmonise standards and improve readiness for emerging health threats. By investing in technical cooperation, Hong Kong and mainland China are laying the groundwork for more resilient and coordinated responses to public health challenges, particularly in the regulation of complex medical products.

Advancing Chinese Medicine Through Standardisation and Innovation

A key focus of the discussions was the continued collaboration on Chinese medicine (CM) standards and testing technology. Dr Lam recalled that in May 2024, the Department of Health and the NIDC signed a cooperation agreement to advance research in CM testing, standardisation, and innovation. This agreement has facilitated exchanges in talent, academic research, and technological development, all aimed at improving the quality, safety, and global credibility of Chinese medicine.

The Director of Health linked these efforts to broader national strategies, citing the Outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasises the inheritance and innovation of CM as a pathway to its global expansion. Hong Kong, he noted, is positioning itself to actively contribute to this goal by leveraging its strengths in testing technologies and international linkages. By supporting the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute in enriching its reference collections and enhancing testing protocols, the collaboration seeks to ensure that CM products meet rigorous safety benchmarks while preserving their traditional roots.

This work is not only about regulatory compliance but also about building trust in CM among global consumers and healthcare providers. As interest in integrative and traditional medicine grows worldwide, standardised testing and transparent quality control become essential for market access and consumer confidence.

Tackling Misleading Health Advertisements in Cross-Border Digital Spaces

The delegation also met with Ms Luo Lan, Deputy Director-General of the Advertising Regulation Department at the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), to address the rising challenge of medical and health-related advertisements circulating across borders online. Dr Lam pointed out that with the increasing demand for cross-border healthcare services, the volume of such digital content has grown significantly, raising concerns about misleading claims, unverified endorsements, and potential fraud.

To counter these risks, both sides agreed to establish a point-to-point notification mechanism for faster information sharing, enhance professional training for regulators, and jointly investigate fraudulent or undesirable advertisements. The goal is to protect residents in both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland from being deceived by false health promotions, particularly those promoting unproven treatments or exaggerating product benefits.

This initiative reflects a growing recognition that effective healthcare regulation in the digital age requires cross-border coordination. As e-commerce and telehealth expand, so too does the need for harmonised standards in advertising oversight — a area where Hong Kong’s experience in market regulation and consumer protection can complement mainland efforts.

Supporting Hong Kong’s Role in a 'Healthy China'

Throughout the visit, Dr Lam reiterated Hong Kong’s commitment to integrating into and contributing to national health development goals, particularly the vision of building a 'Healthy China'. He emphasised that the city’s high-quality development in Chinese medicine testing technologies and its proactive engagement with mainland regulators are key to showcasing its value in the broader national strategy.

By aligning with national initiatives such as the 15th Five-Year Plan and maintaining structured bilateral cooperation frameworks, Hong Kong aims to play a constructive role in regional health security and innovation. The visit concluded with Dr Lam expressing gratitude to both the NIDC and SAMR for their support and reaffirming the Department of Health’s dedication to safeguarding public health through collaboration, innovation, and vigilance.

The outcomes of this visit are expected to inform future joint programmes, including expanded training, shared research projects, and coordinated responses to emerging health threats — all of which contribute to safer, more trustworthy healthcare services for people on both sides of the border.

What this means

The September 2026 visit by Hong Kong’s Director of Health to Beijing represents more than a diplomatic courtesy — it is a substantive step toward building a resilient, trusted, and integrated healthcare ecosystem across borders. By focusing on practical cooperation in drug safety, traditional medicine standards, and digital advertising oversight, the delegation addressed both enduring and emerging challenges in public health regulation. As cross-border healthcare flows continue to grow, driven by patient mobility, e-commerce, and telehealth, such proactive engagement becomes essential. For businesses, regulators, and consumers alike, the outcomes signal a commitment to safety, transparency, and innovation — qualities that are increasingly vital in earning trust in today’s complex health marketplace.