The Centre for Medical Products Regulation Bill was gazetted today (November 13) to establish the statutory status of the Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) and rationalise the regulatory framework for Chinese and Western medicines as well as that for medical devices in the future.
 
     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, "The establishment of the CMPR marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong's regulatory reform of medical products. The Government will comprehensively and proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, fully leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of the strong support of the motherland and connection to the world under the 'one country, two systems' principle. We will establish a proactive mechanism for the evaluation and approval of medical products, enabling advanced products to be introduced into Hong Kong more quickly for the benefit of patients and developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.
 
     "We will continue to deepen collaboration with regulatory authorities around the world and pursue recognition from international authorities. Our long-term goal is to develop the CMPR into an internationally recognised regulatory authority for medical products."
 
     The major proposals under the Bill include: (1) establishing the CMPR as a body corporate to represent Hong Kong, China in international regulatory affairs concerning medical products and establish formal, long-term working relationships with leading regulatory authorities worldwide; (2) building on the existing legislation to transfer the relevant regulatory powers and functions concerning Chinese and Western medicines, currently vested in the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong, the Chinese Medicines Board of the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong and their committees and those of medical devices after legislation in the future, to the Director of Health, with a view to unifying the regulatory framework; and (3) enhancing the relevant supporting mechanisms and making necessary technical amendments.

     Professor Lo emphasised, "The Government is committed to providing a world-class and modern regulatory environment to accelerate the clinical application of innovative medical products while ensuring their safety, quality and efficacy, making good drugs and medical devices available for use in Hong Kong. We will also support the emerging biomedicine industry in the research and development of innovative medical products, facilitating their introduction into Hong Kong and expansion into international markets."
 
     The Government consulted the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Health Services on relevant legislative proposals in April this year and has maintained communication with the Chinese and Western medicine sectors and other stakeholders to listen to their views.
 
     The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for the First Reading on November 25.

Ends/Friday, November 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:15

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