Prof. Mike Chan Joins Panel of German Global Experts to Rethink Healthcare, Aging and Innovation at Germany’s Top Health Summit 2025 in Cologne

May 15, 2025
Events

COLOGNE, Germany (May 15, 2025) — Over 800 healthcare leaders, scientists, and government officials gathered this week in Cologne for Gesundheitskongress des Westens 2025 (Western Health Congress 2025), a major event focused on the future of medicine in Germany and beyond. Held at the historic Gürzenich Hall, the congress is now in its 20th year and is considered one of the most important healthcare policy gatherings in the country.

With the theme “Untying the Knots: Freeing Up Healthcare,” this year’s congress tackled pressing challenges such as hospital reforms, staff shortages, and outdated funding models — while looking ahead to promising innovations like regenerative medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainable hospital design.

A Brief History of the Western Health Congress

Founded two decades ago, the Gesundheitskongress des Westens (Western Health Congress) was created as a platform for open dialogue between policymakers, practitioners, hospital executives, and innovators. Each year, it sets the tone for Germany’s healthcare strategy, offering early insights into national reforms and showcasing breakthroughs in care delivery. In recent years, the congress has grown to include voices from across Europe and Asia, making it a truly international forum.

2025: The Year of Breakthroughs and Bold Ideas

This year’s event saw a strong focus on bioregenerative medicine — particularly stem cell therapies, which are now moving from lab studies to real-world applications. Speakers agreed that the future of healthcare will rely heavily on preventive, regenerative, and personalised approaches, rather than just treating symptoms.

“We are no longer just managing disease,” said Prof. Mike Chan, stem cell researcher and founder of European Wellness Biomedical Group.
“We are now entering an era where we can repair damage at the cellular level — even reverse it. This will change how we age, recover, and live.”

Chan also highlighted his newly signed partnership with Chinese biotech firm Hebei Sanzang Biotechnology, noting that such international collaborations could drastically reduce the time it takes to develop and approve new therapies.

Baoding Hospital Delegation Joins Chinese–German Health Bridge

A four-member hospital delegation from Baoding, China, participated in the Chinese–German Health Bridge session during the Gesundheitskongress des Westens 2025, highlighting opportunities in pediatric care, maternal health, and medical training.

Representatives included Chen Yuping, Yang Jinlan, Bi Jing, and Zhang Yu from Baoding Hospital of Beijing Children’s Hospital and Baoding Maternal and Child Health Hospital. They joined healthcare leaders to explore digital innovation, elderly care, and R&D collaboration.

Moderated by Dr. Claus W. Biermann and Prof. Dr. Josef Hilbert, the session emphasized Germany–China cooperation in health tech and education. The event concluded with a networking session focused on international healthcare exchange.

Key Takeaways from Notable Speakers

Karl-Josef Laumann, Health Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia:

“We must fix our hospital system to make room for future care.” He warned that without restructuring how hospitals are ranked and funded, innovation will remain underfunded and frontline staff overwhelmed.

Frank Sieren, journalist and China expert:

“China is now setting the pace in digital health innovation.” Sieren explained how China, once known for copying Western tech, has become a leader in AI, telemedicine, and healthcare digitalisation — and Germany must adapt quickly or risk falling behind.

Prof. Helga Rübsamen-Schaeff, pharmaceutical pioneer:

“Europe needs to invest in long-term innovation, not just crisis response.” Helga called for dedicated funding for regenerative medicine and next-gen treatments that could help prevent or respond faster to future pandemics.

Prof. Holger Holthusen, Knappschaft Kliniken:

“Sending nurses to patients’ homes saves lives — and money.” Holger’s group’s home-care pilot reduced readmissions and showed that blending digital tools with hands-on care can dramatically improve outcomes.

Prof. Eyal Zimlichman, Sheba Medical Center, Israel:

“AI is already helping hospitals run more efficiently.” Zimlichman showed real-world results from Israeli hospitals using AI to sort patients and speed up care, proving that the technology isn’t theoretical — it’s working now.

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Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne:

“Our city is ready to lead on health innovation.” Henriette pledged support for public-private partnerships that turn Cologne’s hospitals into testbeds for green energy, smart infrastructure, and future-focused care.

A Green Future for German Hospitals

Beyond patient care, the congress also tackled the sustainability crisis in healthcare. Presenters showed how hospitals can save up to 25% in energy costs through green technologies like solar panels and heat pumps. These savings could then be reinvested into medical research, staff training, and digital upgrades.

Tech companies like Telemedizin.de, AMBOSS, and CompuGroup showcased digital platforms designed to reduce paperwork, speed up decision-making, and support overworked clinicians.

The Big Takeaway: From Cure to Regeneration

The clearest message at the Western Health Congress 2025 was that Germany must stop relying on short-term fixes and invest in long-term, science-driven change. Whether it’s moving care out of overcrowded hospitals, integrating AI to speed up diagnostics, or embracing regenerative medicine — the system needs bold action now.

As Prof. Mike Chan put it: “We have the tools. What we need is the will — and a system that’s ready to support the next generation of medicine.”

With new partnerships, deeper international collaboration, and rising interest in cell-based therapies, the congress closed on an optimistic note: The future of healthcare won’t just treat illness — it may soon restore health from the inside out.