'HKU In Talks With SZ Hospital To Renew Contract'

The head of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Lo Chung-mau, admitted on Friday that there have been hiccups in the renewal of their contract, but added they are but “small storms” that will be weathered.

The 10-year contract between the university and the hospital originally lasted until July but was temporarily extended to the end of this year.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Lo said some terms in the contract have to be revised, but talks have been held up due to a number of reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic, personnel changes and delays in “management’s administrative works”.

“We have to continue to explore the integration of medical services in the Greater Bay and the nation’s high-quality development, so both sides need some time to discuss some details,” he said.

“The contract from ten years ago doesn't quite fit now, so we must revisit some details. There were some hiccups, and some delays in some administrative arrangements. This is not ideal, but ‘small storms’ are inevitable,” he added.

But the hospital's chief executive said negotiations are being conducted actively now, and he’s confident that an agreement will be reached soon, because it’s simply “impossible” for them to cease cooperation.

He added that funding is not a big problem thanks to the central government’s support, and the hospital’s services will not be affected.