Mobile Health Screening for South Asians in Hong Kong: MCHS Partners with CUHK Nursing School

Date: 24th January 2026
Venue: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Target Community: South Asian community in Hong Kong
Project: “A Nursing Student-Supported Mobile Health Intervention for South Asians in Hong Kong”

On 24th January 2026, the Multicultural Health Services (MCHS) team joined forces with The Nethersole School of Nursing at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for a vital community screening activity focused on the South Asian population in Hong Kong.

This collaboration was part of an innovative project titled:

“A Nursing Student-Supported Mobile Health Intervention for South Asians in Hong Kong.”

Together, we are committed to making a positive impact and promoting health awareness in a community that has historically faced significant barriers to accessing mainstream healthcare services.

Why Target the South Asian Community?

South Asians (including individuals of Pakistani, Indian, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan origin) form one of Hong Kong’s largest ethnic minority groups. Yet they experience disproportionately high rates of:

• Diabetes and hypertension – often diagnosed late due to infrequent screening
• Cardiovascular disease – linked to both genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors
• Medication non-adherence – stemming from language barriers and cultural misunderstandings
• Low health literacy – limited access to translated, culturally appropriate health information

Mobile health interventions, delivered by culturally competent nursing students and community health workers, offer a practical solution to these disparities.

What Happened During the Screening Activity

Our joint team provided comprehensive, on-site health screening and education:

• Blood Pressure Measurement: Immediate feedback and referral for individuals with elevated readings.
• Blood Glucose Testing: Random and fasting blood glucose screening, with diabetes risk assessment.
• BMI and Waist Circumference: Anthropometric measurements to assess obesity-related health risks.
• Medication Review: Brief counselling on prescribed medications, including adherence checks and side-effect inquiries.
• Health Education: Culturally tailored advice on diet (including South Asian cuisine modifications), physical activity, and when to seek medical care.
• Referral to MCHS Services: For individuals requiring ongoing support, referrals were made to our Medi Help telepharmacy and medication management program.

The Nursing Student-Supported Model

A unique feature of this project is the active involvement of CUHK nursing students. Under the supervision of experienced faculty and MCHS pharmacists, students gained hands-on experience in:

• Conducting health screenings in community settings
• Communating with patients through interpreters (Urdu, Hindi, Nepali)
• Identifying drug-related problems
• Delivering culturally sensitive health education

This model benefits everyone: students gain real-world competencies, community members receive accessible care, and the healthcare system gains a more culturally competent future workforce.

Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Professor Dorothy for her visionary leadership and unwavering support.
• Dr. Tika Rana (Postdoctoral Fellow, CUHK, and MCHS Advisor) for bridging the academic-community partnership.
• Dr. Chura for clinical guidance and project coordination.
• All CUHK nursing students who volunteered their time and energy.
• Every South Asian community member who trusted us with their health.

Stay Connected

Interested in collaborating on a mobile health intervention, community screening, or nursing education partnership?

📧 Email: info@mchs.hk
🌐 Website: https://mchs.hk

Together, we are bringing equitable healthcare directly to Hong Kong’s South Asian communities – one screening at a time.