No piecemeal changes for comprehensive public healthcare fee reform: health chief

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau noted the public healthcare charge reform is a comprehensive initiative, not akin to “bargaining at a wet market” and cannot be adjusted item by item.

Speaking on a TV program on Sunday, Lo stated the reform proposal has been discussed for over two decades, rather than being a recent development.

He emphasized that the government has consistently considered various opinions and will continue to listen to different voices.

When asked about potential adjustments, Lo reiterated that this is a comprehensive reform, and individual items cannot be modified.

The reform will take effect next year, increasing fees for many public healthcare services, including a HK$400 charge for accident and emergency visits excluding critical and emergency cases.

Lo hopes to reduce semi-urgent and non-urgent consultations by 10 percent and believes the new charge won’t lead to higher prices from private doctors.

“The government’s general outpatient services currently handle 5 million cases, while private family doctors see over 20 million. That’s just a drop in the ocean,” he said.

The reform will also introduce a HK$10,000 annual spending cap per patient and simplify the application process for fee waivers for eligible individuals.

Lo stated that fees will not be waived if abuse is discovered, noting that those who default will be charged, and they are currently considering a prepayment system.

“If someone is clinically ineligible, I will not allow them to be exempt. If a doctor clearly says one should be discharged, but the patient insists on staying just because it’s free, then I will not allow the waiver,” he said.

Regarding concerns about whether medical social workers can complete approvals promptly with the safety net expanding to include 1.4 million people, Lo said that the authority has appropriate handling mechanisms in place.

“Not everyone among the 1.4 million will apply immediately; it’s about those who are eligible. I believe that not all Hongkongers have serious health issues. If they provide proof of income or assets, and if they are already applying for [other] subsidies, we won’t need to involve social workers; we will have mechanisms in place for this.”

(Cheng Wong)