Press Releases

Public health sector takes care of the majority in Hong Kong: SHWF

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, today (August 29) reaffirmed the Government's commitment to a medical fee waiver system that looks after individuals and families who have difficulty with paying medical fees.

Dr Chow met with legislators Ms Emily Lau, Mr Fernando Cheung, Mr Lee Cheuk-yan and other community groups�� representatives to exchange views on medical fee waiver this afternoon.

Assuring that no Hong Kong people will fall out from the future medical system, Dr Chow told the meeting that a fee wavier mechanism would continue to be in place for those who were in need. He said that it was not practical to draw a distinctive line as to who should be eligible for fee wavier, but noted that a patient��s assets and income would be among the determinant factors.

"Other circumstances such as the kind of illness which requires prolonged medical attention will be considered alongside," he said.

Dr Chow assures that although it is the intention to target our future public services at acute and emergency care; low income and under-privileged groups; illnesses that entail high cost, advanced technology and multi-disciplinary professional team work; and the training of medical personnel, the Hospital Authority's commitment of caring for the community will not shrink.

At present, the public health care sector looks after 95 per cent of inpatients.



Ends/Monday, August 29, 2005
Issued at HKT 20:31

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