Shenzhen will build an academy of medical sciences in Pingshan District and will choose the head of the institution through global recruitment, according to the latest government gazette made public on April 1.

With plans to focus on key sciences and technologies pertaining to health issues, the academy will serve as a platform for medical science and technology innovation and medical professional cultivation, and as a think tank for strategic development of medical sciences.

The academy will highlight prevention and control of major diseases, and research on cutting-edge medical technologies and sustained health. It will also develop research on application, clinical use and commercialization of international medical technologies in the city.

It will be entrusted by the city to manage a government fund for medical research and will be tasked with setting up one to two high-level international hospitals for clinical research, which will serve as a platform for innovative research and the transformation of drugs.

It will also provide consultative services to the city government by analyzing trends of development in medical sciences and technologies, and help with strategic planning for the industry, according to the gazette.

By 2025, the academy hopes to make major breakthroughs in key research areas and in the prevention and control of serious diseases among high-risk groups, according to the gazette.

Its goal for 2035 is to play a significant role in the construction of medical science innovation systems and to have the capacity to provide unmatched examples for peers to follow.

By mid-century, it plans to be a world-famous research institute with global influence in medical science innovation and competitiveness.

Shenzhen is encouraged to innovate the medical service system, as stated in a comprehensive reform plan released by the Central Government last year on implementing pilot reforms in the city with the aim to build it into a demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

According to the reform plan, the Central Government will support the clinical application of international cutting-edge drugs in Shenzhen. The city is urged to explore and improve the cross-border connections for medical services while standardizing medical personnel training and hospital accreditation until it aligns with international standards.