On May 29, 2023, Yang Xin, Director of the Medical Department, on behalf of St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou, attended the "Drug and Equipment Communication Meeting" organized by the Market Supervision Administration of GuangZhou Municipality. 

The meeting aims to further reform the drug and medical device appraisal and approval system in the Greater Bay Area, vigorously promote the implementation of the "Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect" policy and the requirements of "double promotion", and standardize its management in clinical application. The meeting was attended by relevant personnel from the General office of the Municipal Government, leader and staff of the Division for Drug and Cosmetic Supervision and Management of the administration, relevant leaders and department personnel of medical institutions, and representatives of the "Drug and Equipment Connect" enterprises.

Leaders of relevant administrations and departments attended the meeting

At the meeting, leaders of the Market Supervision Administration of GuangZhou Municipality pointed out that the "Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect" policy is an important practice in implementing the Outline Development Plan for the Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. All units should unify their thinking to the overall situation of national development, deeply understand the great significance of the "Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect" policy, focus on enhancing the happiness, sense of gain and security of residents in the Greater Bay Area, and exert and influence by working with the practices of promoting the high-quality development of biomedicine industry in Guangdong province. At present, the released supporting system and norms have formed a relatively complete system, and all units should strengthen learning, communication and exchange, understand the essence of the policy, and make good use of the policy. 

Policy Interpretation for Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect" Project 

Yang Xin, director of the Medical Department of our hospital, introduced and shared the experience in the application and management of "Drug and Equipment Connect" policy. As one of first batch of the hospitals which can apply the “Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect" policy, St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou has accumulated rich experience in the application and management of related drug and equipment. It has played a leading role in the promotion of the policy, and has provided important reference and guidance for other hospitals and medical institutions with its successful experience and cases. In the process of promoting "Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect" policy, the import inspection of drug and equipment is an important link. 

Import inspection of drug and equipment involves many links, including import approval, overseas procurement, import customs clearance, storage and distribution, clinical use and other links. In the process of import inspection, hospitals need to comply with relevant laws, regulations and standards to ensure the quality and safety of medical equipment. At the same time, hospitals also need to strengthen communication and coordination with relevant departments to ensure the smooth entry and use of medical equipment. In the process of strictly implementing the policy, St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou has also encountered some problems. For example, the approval cycle of imported drugs and medical devices is long and the customs clearance process is complicated. In response to these problems, our hospital seeks solutions and improvement measures by strengthening communication and coordination with relevant departments. At the same time, Director Yang Xin said that our hospital also needs to strengthen its own medical equipment management capabilities and quality system construction to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical equipment.

Director Yang Xin listened carefully to the sharing of the meeting

With the successful conclusion of the "Drug and Equipment Connect" Communication Meeting, the implementation of the Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect policy will bring more health and well-being to residents of the Greater Bay Area and promote the coordinated development of medical services of the region. St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou will also actively comply with the requirements of the Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Equipment Connect policy, make a little contribution to the improvement of the quality and efficiency of the development of the policy, and contribute its own strength to improving the overall medical level of the Greater Bay Area.

*Surgery, in addition to the appropriate chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are effective in treating early cancer, but certain patients in late stage of cancer may not be tolerate surgery well as they can be relatively weak. A combination of carefully planned minimally invasive therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can effectively reduce the side effects and discomfort of treatment and may help patient get better efficacy.