Cross-Border Ambulance: Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area

With the Greater Bay Area's (GBA) ongoing development, cross-border medical services can promote collaboration and resource sharing among healthcare institutions, enhancing both the accessibility and quality of medical services in the region. By integrating resources from both sides, patients can select the most suitable medical solutions plans based on their needs.

Amber Medical Supports the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area

As the integration of the Greater Bay Area continues, more Hong Kong residents are choosing to live, retire, or work in mainland China. Whether for employment, education, or travel, the demand for cross-border medical transport is rising. However, mainland ambulances currently cannot cross the border, making it a complex and challenging process for patients to return to Hong Kong for medical care. To address this issue, the Hong Kong SAR government has launched a Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area. This initiative provides a "point-to-point" transport service for medical evacuation and repatriation, allowing patients with specific needs to be transferred directly between hospitals in Shenzhen, Macau, and Hong Kong without requiring a change of ambulance at the border.

Over the years, Amber Medical has successfully helped numerous Hong Kong residents in the mainland return to Hong Kong for treatment. Many Hong Kong patients encounter high medical expenses in the mainland due to a lack of insurance and urgently need medical repatriation to Hong Kong for critical care. Our services involve transferring patients via a mainland ambulance to the Shenzhen border and then using a Hong Kong ambulance for the journey to the hospital. However, this approach does not fully protect the safety and rights of the patients.

Amber Medical Calls for the Expansion of Cross-border Ambulance Services to Mainland Transfers

Amber Medical hopes that the government will expand the pilot scheme to include direct northbound ambulance services in the Greater Bay Area. Beyond common medical services, such as dental care and health check-ups, many Hong Kong residents are seeking various treatments, including traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, in the mainland. In recent years, there has been an increase in cancer and rare disease patients travelling to the mainland for treatment. Similarly, many mainland residents come to Hong Kong for medical care and return home once their conditions stabilise. Additionally, mainland visitors who experience accidents or severe illnesses during their stay in Hong Kong often request repatriation to the mainland due to financial constraints.

As demand for cross-border medical services grows, expanding direct northbound ambulance services will better meet diverse medical needs and improve patient experiences. However, ambulances are only one aspect of medical transfer services. A professional medical escort service involves comprehensive assessments, creating optimal transport plans, and meticulous coordination. Amber Medical’s medical team adheres to a patient-centric approach, understanding each patient's unique needs deeply to provide personalised care. In emergencies, we can offer swift medical response and professional support tailored to the situation.

Amber Medical was the first private organisation to successfully facilitate the cross-border transfer of an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) patient from Hong Kong to Shenzhen for a lung transplant. This highlights our expertise in handling complex and critical cases and our strong coordination capabilities.

Amber Medical provides transport services for medical evacuation and repatriation connecting cities in the Greater Bay Area, including Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, to ensure patients receive prompt and effective care. We are committed to continuously improving and expanding our ambulance services, offering greater convenience, efficiency, and quality medical solutions to residents in Hong Kong and mainland China. Contact Amber Medical today to learn more.