Infectious diseases expert Ivan Hung says Hong Kong should set up its own production lines for vaccines and medicines, so the city will not need to wait for imports in the event of another pandemic.

The University of Hong Kong professor said local production also means lower costs, adding the city has what it takes to manufacture vaccines and medicines.

"If Hong Kong had its own production lines, research and development will speed up a lot. This will not only benefit researchers in Hong Kong, but also attract research talent from the mainland and around the world," he said.

"I believe the government will have to set up its production lines in factories. The conditions to manufacture vaccines are more stringent than manufacturing drugs. I believe the government is considering this - and I hope it can be done as soon as possible."

Professor Hung added he supports the government's decision to consider setting up a drug approval organisation.

Health minister Lo Chung-mau earlier told the South China Morning Post authorities were mulling over the idea of setting up a regulatory body similar to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, in order to encourage pharmaceutical development here.