The Hospital Authority (HA) on Saturday said its soon-to-launch global healthcare talent scheme will create a win-win situation for the city and medical talent from outside the SAR, even though some candidates may only stay in the city for short times.

Speaking after appearing on a radio programme, HA chairman Henry Fan told reporters the scheme will include medical staff not only from overseas but also from mainland cities outside the Greater Bay Area.

Fan added that many experienced medical professionals had left Hong Kong's public healthcare system, but that officials were trying new ways to retain them such as by extending the employment of those reaching retirement.

For the upcoming scheme, Fan said the authority had initially planned to hire medical professionals only for long-term positions but that it had now altered the plan. He explained that people who were settled in their own region did not necessarily want to commit to working in Hong Kong long-term.

“If we could attract these professionals to come to Hong Kong for one to two years to receive high-level professional training in their fields, then when they return to their homes, it will be beneficial for their careers," he said. "Their time in Hong Kong will also be helpful [to the city]."

Fan said on a Commercial Radio programme that a total of 139 job offers had been issued after last month's London recruitment day, with 32 candidates signing contracts.

He added that HA officials will also go to Australia next month to recruit talent, and that he hopes to recruit in other Commonwealth regions as well.