Hong Kong to expand use of AI across healthcare under Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address

Hong Kong is set to expand the use of artificial intelligence across its healthcare system, with Chief Executive John Lee outlining measures covering clinical services, medical research and healthcare innovation in his 2026 Policy Address.

Lee announced the 2026 Policy Address, titled A Strategic Vision for a Bright New Era, Driving Reform and Boosting Development, Unleashing Opportunities and Enhancing Livelihood, on September 16, 2026.

The Policy Address assigns the Health Bureau responsibility for coordinating the “orderly introduction and effective use” of AI technologies in healthcare.

The Bureau will work with the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine and the Institute for Medical Advancement and Clinical Excellence (IMACE), among others, on the development and implementation of medical AI.

The Hospital Authority is also planning to incorporate AI into new and expanded public healthcare facilities.

At the new integrated ambulatory care hospital being developed at King’s Park, an ambulatory radiology centre will use AI for image annotation and triage. The Government expects the centre to increase annual CT and MRI capacity by around 40% compared with general facilities.

AI will also be used as part of the implementation of the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy. The Hospital Authority plans to increase diagnostic imaging capacity and apply AI to assist with diagnosis and advanced laboratory testing, alongside expanded radiotherapy services and the faster introduction of new cancer drugs.

More broadly, the Hospital Authority will use AI to compile clinical summaries and facilitate real-time diagnosis assistance. An AI risk-prediction model will be applied for the early identification of high-risk patients. AI will also be used to facilitate service arrangements and reduce average triage times.

The Hospital Authority will also enhance clinical applications of AI through the introduction of smart wearable devices, AI-assisted clinical information systems and risk-prediction systems for clinical deterioration. AI-assisted imaging services and medical report generation will also be introduced as part of efforts to develop smart hospitals.

The measures form part of wider plans to develop Hong Kong’s medical-products and healthcare innovation ecosystem. The Government plans to support activities spanning research and development, clinical trials, regulation, market access and commercialisation. It also plans to establish the Centre for Medical Products Regulation and submit a legislative proposal on the regulation of medical devices within 2026.

Digital healthcare is among the priority areas for HK$900 million in funding for innovative medical research over the coming three years.

The Government also plans to strengthen links between healthcare providers and technology developers.

The Hospital Authority will establish an HA Technology Convergence Hub to facilitate the adoption of medical technologies by connecting clinical needs with technology developers. The hub will include a healthcare technology demonstration base within Hospital Authority facilities and a mechanism for communicating clinical needs to pharmaceutical and medical-device companies.

The Policy Address also sets out measures relating to the governance and safety of AI.

The Government plans to promote the safe and orderly application of AI through sector-specific application guidelines, accreditation and governance frameworks. The initiative covers multiple sectors, with the Health Bureau responsible for coordinating the healthcare sector’s approach.

The Government will also examine whether existing laws are adequate to address liability arising from accidents or damage caused by AI products. A working group led by the Department of Justice will consider possible legislative and regulatory responses, including codes of practice, codes of conduct and guidelines.

The healthcare measures announced in the Policy Address cover the use of AI in medical imaging, triage, diagnosis and laboratory testing, alongside investment in digital-health research and the development of regulatory and governance frameworks.