The foundation recently announced that it had partnered with three private hospitals to provide subsidized histotripsy treatment under the latest phase of its “Love Can Help” medical assistance program, according to Hong Kong newspaper The Standard.
Eligible patients will be able to receive the treatment for HK$50,000, compared to the usual cost of around HK$260,000 for Hong Kong identity card holders.
Histotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy targeted tumor cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts between 15 and 25 minutes.
|
Billionaire Li Ka Shing announces his retirement in Hong Kong in 2018. Photo by Reuters |
The foundation said Li had donated three Histotripsy systems to the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.
It said the subsidy program was introduced after some patients reported that their insurance plans did not cover the treatment. The initiative is aimed at helping middle-income “sandwich class” patients who do not qualify for government assistance programs.
Launched in 2019, the “Love Can Help” program has distributed more than HK$203 million to nearly 70,000 beneficiaries, including medical students, visually impaired people, people with disabilities, children with autism, elderly residents and low-income families.
The U.S.-developed histotripsy technology has attracted growing international attention and is undergoing clinical trials in several countries.
Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan recently announced plans to recruit 50 patients for free Histotripsy clinical trials, according to the South China Morning Post.
In Singapore, the National Cancer Centre Singapore and National University Cancer Institute launched a clinical trial last year targeting 40 patients.
In the U.K., selected patients under the National Health Service may also access the treatment at designated hospitals with approval from health authorities.
Li, 97, remains Hong Kong’s richest billionaire, with an estimated net worth of $50.1 billion as of May 21, according to Forbes.
-
Confirmed: Neymar to Don Iconic No.10 Jersey for Brazil at 2026 World Cup After Overcoming Carlo Ancelotti Selection Doubts
-
John Herdman Reveals Plan to Lead Indonesia National Team to 2030 World Cup, Already Conducting Research
-
After 8 Months Without a Job, Alex Pastoor Turns Down Offers to Coach Mediocre Dutch Clubs
-
Indonesia U-19 Coach Nova Arianto Prioritises Player Development Over Title Defence at 2026 AFF U-19 Championship
-
Couple attacked with knives in Bollaram, wife dead, husband critical
