{
  "id": 19092767,
  "title": "Hong Kong must widen surgical robotics access: FS",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/hong-kong-must-widen-surgical-robotics-access-fs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T04:32:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1877107-20261109.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Financial Secretary Paul Chan has called upon the surgical robotics industry to shift its focus from validating technical precision to increasing access to care, amid Hong Kong's aspiration to become a global leader in medical-device innovation. During the inaugural Surgical Futures Forum, hosted by a Hong Kong-based robotics firm, Cornerstone Robotics, Chan asserted that the sector has spent over two decades demonstrating its capability. Now, the primary focus should be on widening access so more surgeons can utilize robotic systems and a larger patient population can benefit. Design and cost continue to pose significant obstacles. Presently, mainstream systems are tailored for the most well-equipped hospitals; their price, size, and training requirements restrict their installation and widespread use. This explains why global adoption remains below five percent. Chan emphasized that if the aim is to serve humanity through innovation, advancements in surgical robotics must transcend superior technology. The progress should entail reaching more patients, as numerous individuals remain unable to benefit due to these barriers. Chan noted a notable indication of progress in September, when global healthcare technology company Medtronic announced a strategic investment of approximately US$700 million in Cornerstone Robotics and obtained distribution rights for Cornerstone’s surgical system in chosen international markets. He deemed this commitment from a world-renowned medical-technology entity a compelling endorsement of Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem. Chan highlighted that this collaboration demonstrates that technology conceived in Hong Kong can earn the acceptance of industry leaders and, through partnership, penetrate international markets. The finance chief also cited a Hong Kong-developed robotic platform currently operational at a leading surgical training center in Strasbourg, France, as proof that the city's medtech sector is prepared to train surgeons from across the globe. Chan went further, advocating for Hong Kong as a comprehensive support system for medical-device innovation, encompassing long-term patient capital, biotech fundraising, regulation, clinical data, and international trials.",
  "summary": "Financial Secretary Paul Chan has urged the surgical robotics industry to move beyond proving technical precision and focus on widening access to care, as Hong Kong seeks to become a global hub for medical-device innovation. Speaking at the inaugural Surgical Futures Forum organised by Hong Kong-based surgical robotics company Cornerstone Robotics, Chan said the field had spent 25 years proving…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
        "title": "Hong Kong VTC courses touted as short cut to residency for babies of mainland mothers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/hong-kong-vtc-courses-touted-as-short-cut-to-residency-for-babies-of",
        "published": "2026-11-09T00:30:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}