HPE students explore health education and public health in the Greater Bay Area

In February and March, students from the Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) Programme (BHE) participated in enriching visits to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). While a group of first-year students explored traditional Chinese medicine in Shenzhen, second-year students received updates from academics at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou on mainland China’s healthcare system. These visits aimed to deepen students’ understanding of GBA’s development in public health services.

Dr Peggy Or Pui-lai from the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) led a group of second-year BHE students taking the Introduction to Primary Health course (course code: HCS3031) on a visit to Shenzhen on 25 and 26 February. They toured the Shenzhen Luohu District Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital (深圳羅湖區中醫院) to learn about the role and development of traditional Chinese medicine in community services, as well as the policies and regulations governing traditional Chinese medicine in China. The students also visited the Cuizhu Community Health Service Center (翠竹街道社區健康服務中心), where they learnt about community service in Shenzhen.

Ms Sum Man-ching was one of the forty-eight students participating in the Shenzhen study tour. “In Shenzhen, we visited various medical institutions, from traditional Chinese medicine clinics to modern medical centres, to learn about their operational models and service delivery processes. The visit deepened my understanding of the medical profession at the municipal level. I was impressed by the diversity and high standard of healthcare services in Shenzhen,” she said.

Meanwhile, forty-nine first-year BHE students enrolled in the course Health Education in the GBA (course code: CFB3029) took part in an exchange activity on 12 and 13 March. Led by Dr Anna Wong from the department, the students travelled to Guangzhou and visited the School of Public Health at Sun Yat-Sen University. Professor Lin Hualiang, Assistant Dean of the school and Chair of Department of Epidemiology, introduced the School of Public Health at his welcoming speech. Professor Harry Wang Haoxiang and Professor Liu Yan from the school introduced their departments and shared their research on public health and nutrition. Students also visited the Museum of Medical Specimen under the School of Medicine of the university, where they observed a large collection of human organ specimens, an experience they describe as invaluable.

Ms Kwok Hoi-ching, who joined the visit to Sun Yat-Sen University, found the two-day exchange highly rewarding. “I learnt about the limitations of Hong Kong’s healthcare system and the strengths of mainland China’s public health system. Professor Harry Wang from the university explained how China’s Family Doctor Practice Scheme operates. The scheme ensures higher quality healthcare, as mainland doctors undergo rigorous assessment before being assigned to a family as their family doctor. Professor Liu Yan’s discussion on using nutritional diets to manage chronic diseases was also enlightening,” Hoi-ching said.

The first-year BHE student also discovered that China’s community health education facilities are highly effective. She noted that customers in restaurants can use mobile apps to track and calculate calories, supporting in weight management. “Urine testing services are conveniently available in men’s public toilets, encouraging men to participate in health screenings. These practices enhance public health awareness and quality of life,” she added.

The GBA is experiencing rapid development in its social infrastructure, including public health services. Its healthcare system offers a wide range of services, from traditional Chinese medicine to modern medical care. This diversity reflects the region’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare options that meet the varied needs of its residents. “We hope our students have gained a deeper understanding of the GBA through these visits. Enhancing knowledge about the region will certainly benefit their career development, especially as Hong Kong and the GBA continue to strengthen their cooperation and integration in many areas,” Dr Andy Tse Choi-yeung, Acting Head of HPE, said.