Greater Bay Area Expands Cross-Border Access to Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices

A Faster Route to Innovative Treatments

One of the most meaningful developments for international patients seeking care in southern China is the continued expansion of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area "Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Device Connect" policy. The program allows designated hospitals to introduce selected innovative medicines and medical devices that are already approved and in use in Hong Kong and Macao, ahead of their broader availability on the mainland.

In a recent expansion, regulators added a further group of designated medical institutions to the program, bringing the total number of approved hospitals across the Greater Bay Area's mainland cities to several dozen. Among the newly designated institutions are leading private international hospitals serving cross-border patients.

Why This Matters

For patients with complex or hard-to-treat conditions, access to the latest therapies can make a real difference. Historically, innovative drugs and devices could take considerable time to become available on the mainland after approval elsewhere. The Drug and Device Connect policy shortens that gap for designated hospitals, covering treatments across areas such as oncology, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular care, and more.

This is particularly relevant for international patients, who may already be familiar with therapies available in their home countries or in Hong Kong and want continuity of access while receiving care in China.

What International Patients Should Know

Several points are worth keeping in mind. Access to these therapies is limited to designated hospitals and is intended for specific clinical purposes, under the supervision of qualified physicians. Each treatment decision depends on a patient's individual medical situation and an assessment by the treating specialist.

Designated hospitals in the program emphasize internationally aligned standards of care, with attention to the safe and appropriate use of imported medicines and devices. For international patients, this combination of innovative access and quality oversight is a meaningful part of what makes the Greater Bay Area an increasingly attractive destination for advanced medical care.

To find out whether a specific therapy is available and appropriate, patients are encouraged to consult directly with a qualified specialist at a designated hospital.

Sources: LOCPG — third-batch designated institutions · GBA Drug & Device Connect (official)