The trend of "north-bound consumption" is gradually expanding to "north-bound medical treatment”. According to data from the Public Hygiene and Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, in 2023, Shenzhen provided up to 700,000 medical consultations to Hong Kong residents. Many Hong Kong people believe that seeking medical treatment in Shenzhen is both quick and affordable.
Dean of PolyU CPCE Prof. Yuen, a renowned health economist, recently gave an interview to BBC News Chinese for a special news report titled "The Culture of Hong Kong People 'Going North': From Consumption to a New Trend of Seeking Medical Treatment”. In the interview, he analysed the trend of seeking medical treatment in mainland China. He pointed out that pharmaceutical companies have different pricing globally. Some countries with stronger bargaining power, such as those with large populations or single buyers (national health insurance), can secure lower prices. Prof. Yuen believes that if Hong Kong's healthcare financing and system efficiency do not significantly improve, more and more Hong Kong people will seek medical treatment in mainland China.
Watch the programme at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6LHDvtcWzI&t=203s
