Press Releases
SFH on pilot programme for price transparency for private hospitals
Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary
for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after meeting
representatives of the Hong Kong Private Hospitals
Association (HKPHA) on pilot programme for price
transparency for private hospital today (September 29):
Secretary for Food and Health: The Government together with
the HKPHA will roll out a pilot programme for price
transparency for private hospitals on October 1. The pilot
programme enables patients to obtain more comprehensive
information on hospital fees, which will assist them to make
informed choices and financial preparation when using
private medical services. Under the pilot programme, members
of the HKPHA, including all the 11 private hospitals in Hong
Kong, will try out the three different aspects of price
transparency measures on a voluntary basis. We hope that
private hospitals will acquire relevant experience by trying
out and implementing the measures to enhance price
transparency under the pilot programme. On the other hand,
the Government will continue to engage stakeholders and
consider incorporating these measures into the new
legislation for regulating private healthcare facilities.
Reporter: As the estimates are not legally binding, can the
patients complain against them?
Secretary for Food and Health: Despite it is not being a
legally binding so-called quotation, it will benefit the
patients a lot. Before admitting to hospitals, they are able
to know the range of fee they have to pay after the
procedures.
Reporter: Can the patients complain if they find the
estimates are inaccurate?
Secretary for Food and Health: Certainly, patients always
have the right to complain against different aspects of
service they received in private hospitals. If they feel
that the service is not up to their satisfaction, they can
always lodge their complaints. I truly believe that our
doctors as well as hospital administration will try their
best to address these complaints. Of course, communication
is important before the patient is being admitted to the
hospital, or certain treatment or procedures are being
carried out. If there is better communication, I would
believe that the number of complaints would be minimised.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, September 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:31
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