The Health Commission of Guangdong Province (GDHC) has released a second list of designated medical institutions for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) drug and device special green channel. The new additions include the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), and 12 others, bringing the total number of such hospitals to 19.
Background and Policy
The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and seven other ministries released the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Drug and Medical Device Regulation and Innovative Development Work Plan” in November 2020. Under this guideline, designated medical institutions operating in the nine Guangdong cities of the GBA are permitted to apply for access to clinically urgently needed drugs already approved overseas, particularly those marketed in Hong Kong and Macau. Approvals are handled by the Guangdong provincial government. These designated medical institutions are set up in the GBA cities by healthcare service providers from Hong Kong and Macau in the form of a sole proprietorship, joint venture, or cooperation and are approved by GDHC.
First and Latest Designated Institutions
The first batch of designated medical institutions included the University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Modern Hospital Guangzhou, Guangzhou United Family Hospital, C-MER (Zhuhai) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital, and Zhongshan Chenxinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. The latest 14 additions include the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, SYSU, Nanfang Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital’s Nansha branch, Clifford Hospital, C-MER (Guangzhou) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen HyZen Hospital, C-MER (Shenzhen) Dennis Lam Eye Hospital, Hengqin Branch of Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital, and Dongguan Guangming Ophthalmic Hospital.
Impact and Statistics
As of February 12, 2023, a total of 23 clinically urgently needed imported drugs (46 batches) and 13 medical devices (15 batches) have accessed the Chinese mainland through the Medical Products Administration of Guangdong Province. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of advanced medical treatments and technologies in the GBA, improving patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Strategic Implications
The expansion of the GBA green channel with additional designated medical institutions is a significant step in facilitating access to cutting-edge medical treatments. By allowing these institutions to import and use clinically urgently needed drugs and devices, the GBA is positioning itself as a hub for medical innovation and excellence. This move is expected to benefit patients in the region by providing them with timely access to the latest medical advancements.-Fineline Info & Tech
