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The University of Hong Kong–Queen Mary Hospital Assisted Reproductive Centre: 40 Years of Milestones and Transformation — Future Vision and Challenges.

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日期: 2026-11-01

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香港大學瑪麗醫院輔助生育中心40週年里程碑與變化：臨床智慧結合科技-現代化孕育生育希望

▲ Dr. Kevin Lam Ka Wai (Director of the IVF Laboratory), Professor Ernest Ng Hung Yu and Dr. Jennifer Ko Ka Yi (From Left to Right)

As a pioneer in the field of assisted reproductive medicine in Hong Kong, the Assisted Reproductive Centre at The University of Hong Kong–Queen Mary Hospital has spent four decades advancing the field while safeguarding the dreams of countless families seeking to welcome a child.

Standing at this new milestone of its 40th anniversary, how will the team embrace future visions and challenges, and continue to lead the next chapter of assisted reproductive medicine in Hong Kong?

The answers begin with the heartwarming stories of families and the dedication of the Centre’s behind-the-scenes heroes, who work tirelessly day and night to protect the hope of parenthood.

▲ Supporting patients through workshops and counselling

Future Vision and Emerging Challenges

Against the backdrop of delayed marriage and childbearing, as well as persistently declining birth rates in Hong Kong, the Centre has observed significant changes in the profiles of patients seeking treatment in recent years.

Professor Ng shared:

“There has been a noticeable increase in demand for egg freezing. More than a decade ago, this service was not widely known or commonly sought after, but today, more people are aware of and actively inquiring about it. We have also seen a trend towards younger patients seeking assistance. In the past, many patients only came to us at the age of 38 or 39, whereas now more women aged 34 or 35 are proactively seeking support.”

He explained that the younger age profile of patients seeking treatment is partly related to the shortened waiting time. In the past, patients often had to wait one to two years from submitting a referral letter to officially commencing treatment, causing some to miss their optimal reproductive age.

In recent years, with increased government funding and support, waiting times have been significantly reduced, allowing patients to receive treatment at a more favourable age. In addition, younger generations have developed a different perspective on assisted reproduction and are more inclined to seek professional advice at an earlier stage.

Supporting Government Policies and Subsidy Programmes

In support of the government’s policies to encourage childbirth, the Centre has proactively implemented various initiatives. These include working with the government to optimize IVF services, such as providing medication cost subsidies. Previously, patients had to pay out-of-pocket for injection medications; however, since May last year, eligible patients have benefited from reduced medication costs, helping to alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing parenthood.

▲ Fertility care teams from Queen Mary Hospital, Kwong Wah Hospital, and Princess Margaret Hospital

At the same time, the Centre has expanded service capacity and streamlined outpatient consultation and appointment arrangements, allowing patients with greater clinical needs to be prioritized through an effective triage system.

The waiting time for publicly funded IVF services has now been significantly reduced. From the submission of a referral letter to the initial IVF clinic appointment, and subsequently to the commencement of treatment, the waiting periods for these two stages have been shortened to approximately two months and one month, respectively. This has greatly reduced the anxiety and waiting burden faced by families pursuing parenthood.

The Centre also publishes the latest waiting time updates on its social media platforms every month, enhancing transparency and ensuring that patients have access to timely information.

The Centre currently performs approximately 600 to 700 IVF cycles annually. Looking ahead, the Centre aims to shorten the time patients need to achieve success — not only focusing on improving pregnancy rates but also placing greater emphasis on reducing waiting times and the psychological burden experienced by patients.

At the same time, the team will focus on exploring how lifestyle modifications can improve IVF outcomes and further investigate the application of artificial intelligence in assisted reproductive technology.

To advance large-scale research initiatives, the Centre will strengthen collaborations with multiple centres in Mainland China, making effective use of available resources. Locally, it will further consolidate its healthcare network with Kwong Wah Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital.

In the future, the Centre will continue to uphold a balanced approach in clinical care, education, and research, remaining committed to helping individuals and families on their journey toward parenthood and welcoming the miracle of new life.

Over the past four decades, the Centre has continued to move forward with dedication and perseverance, achieving numerous milestones in assisted reproductive medicine in Hong Kong. Through years of accumulated expertise and innovation, it has evolved into a leading force at the forefront of the field.

Want to revisit how the Centre has integrated decades of clinical expertise and technological advancements to shape the future of assisted reproductive medicine?

Previous article: The University of Hong Kong - Queen Mary Hospital Assisted Reproductive Centre Marks 40 Years: Combining Clinical Expertise with Technology to Advance Fertility Care and Bring Hope to Parenthood

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