CUHK
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Representatives from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) attended the Legislative Council Panel on Health Services meeting today (29 May) to report on the proposal to repay fully the principal of the HK$4,033 million government loan in 2027, ahead of schedule. The proposal received support from the Legislative Council Panel on Health Services. 

After a prudent assessment of the University’s resources, CUHK decided to use a portion of its restricted funds that does not involve University Grants Committee (UGC) funding or any earmarked funding for the loan repayment

Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council, said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Legislative Council, and the community of Hong Kong for the support to CUHKMC. The hospital has been granted two extensions of the government loan repayment deadline to March 2028, providing more time and flexibility for appropriate internal planning and strengthened governance, enabling its finances and operations to become more mature.

“During this period, CUHKMC has forged ahead with determination and commenced restructuring its business strategy. Meanwhile, CUHK recorded solid investment returns in 2024–25, with particularly encouraging growth in its funds. CUHK is therefore considering using part of its restricted funds to provide a loan to CUHKMC,” added Professor Chai. CUHK plans to provide a loan to CUHKMC and/or provide guarantees to support the hospital in securing bank financing, with a view to enabling CUHKMC to fully repay the principal of the government loan by 19 March 2027. In addition, CUHKMC will continue to discharge its obligation to fulfil its obligation to offset the interest originally payable during the extended repayment period through the provision of public healthcare services.

CUHKMC is Hong Kong’s first non-profit-making, private teaching hospital wholly owned by a university. Its operating surplus is reinvested in the development of the hospital and CUHK’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine). In alignment with the Health Bureau’s policy directions, CUHKMC, in partnership with CU Medicine, will continue to strengthen collaboration within Hong Kong’s healthcare system and serve as a bridge between public and private sectors. Its goal is to build one of Asia’s leading premium healthcare service platforms. Professor Chai emphasised: “By leveraging the unique strengths of CU Medicine and CUHKMC, we believe this effort will help strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international healthcare hub and contribute to the nation’s development in high impact healthcare. CUHKMC will strive to become a benchmark for premium healthcare in Asia – rooted in Hong Kong, serving society, and contributing to the nation.”

Dr Chung Kin-lai, Chief Executive Officer of CUHKMC, said CUHKMC bears the responsibility of providing healthcare services to the Hong Kong community. Its positioning as a non-profit-making private teaching hospital and its service obligations will remain unchanged despite early loan repayment. CUHKMC has been focusing on four key areas in its development, including 1) enhancing price transparency and affordability – through multiple rounds of price adjustments, enabling citizens better budget for their medical expenses; 2) expanding doctor network – in addition to CUHK professors, actively encouraging private physicians to provide medical services at the hospital; 3) strengthening collaborations with insurers, and 4) developing regional market.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of CUHKMC’s commencement of services, and its service volume and revenue have continued to increase. As of 31 March 2026, compared with the same period last year, the total number of patient discharges at CUHKMC increased by 17%, operation volume increased by 21%, and total revenue increased by 17%. These factors drove a significant 67% reduction in the hospital’s Loss Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (LBITDA), showing significant financial improvement.

CUHKMC’s clinical applications will continue to complement the research strengths and innovative achievements of CU Medicine. With the dedication of its outstanding staff and the support of the community of Hong Kong, CUHKMC will further leverage CUHK’s strengths in medicine, introduce advanced medical technologies, and provide patients with more comprehensive treatment options.