HK and Macau conduct drill for cross-boundary ambulances scheme

The pilot scheme's next phase will be considered upon operational experience.

The government, in collaboration with Macau, has conducted a drill for the pilot scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area, simulating patient transfers under the cross-boundary ambulance arrangement.
 
The drill primarily tested the route between Conde S. Januario Hospital (CHCSJ) in Macau and Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Hong Kong, as well as immigration procedures for the ambulance. The ambulance travelled via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and returned to Macau through the same route.

The initiative aligns with the Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address, which explored direct ambulance transfers in the Greater Bay Area. To facilitate the drill, Macau ambulances were exempted from local road traffic regulations for a specified period, and long-term arrangements are being finalised.

The Health Bureau is working with Macau’s authorities to streamline the entry of medical items and personnel on the cross-boundary ambulances. CHCSJ will deploy healthcare personnel to escort patients, and the government will ensure compliance with local medical laws to allow these personnel to continue medical procedures upon entering Hong Kong.

The Medical Council of Hong Kong has issued guidelines for limited registration under the Medical Registration Ordinance, and the Hospital Authority is processing limited registration applications for Macau doctors who will provide medical support during transfers.

Under the scheme, the cross-boundary ambulance service will be activated only when there is a prior agreement between the sending and receiving hospitals, with patient safety and medical needs as the top priority. Mechanisms are also in place to prevent abuse of the system. 

The effectiveness of the pilot scheme will be evaluated, and further arrangements for the next phase will be considered based on operational experience.