The Health Bureau announced on Sunday that free Chinese medicine consultation services will be provided to residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire, available through District Health Centers and the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong starting Monday (Dec 15).
The Primary Healthcare Commission and the Chinese Medicine Unit of the Health Bureau have coordinated 150 Chinese medicine practitioners to take part in the program, covering a total of 170 service points across the city.
All residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, including foreign domestic helpers, will be eligible for up to three free consultations.
The services, which include the provision of medication and related treatments, will be arranged through District Health Centers in all 18 districts from Monday until February 28.
The initiative aims to address potential health issues that may arise following the fire, including emotional distress, insomnia, palpitations, coughing, wheezing, throat discomfort and fatigue.
Residents with medical needs may contact or visit any District Health Center for assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. District Health Center members may also approach their respective centers directly to be matched with a practitioner based on their needs and preferences.
Separately, the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong will offer full medical fee waivers to all affected residents and those injured in the fire who were admitted to public hospitals, with the arrangement extending until December 31 next year.
The waiver covers all government-subsidized services, including general and specialized outpatient consultations, allied health support, day-patient care, as well as designated Western medicine diagnostic procedures and discharge medications.
During consultations, eligible residents will be required to identify themselves and provide basic personal information, including their name, Hong Kong Identity Card number and address.
In addition, Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centers under the Hospital Authority will also provide full medical fee waivers for government-subsidized outpatient services, including general consultations, acupuncture, bone-setting and tui-na.
Fee waivers will likewise apply to Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Services offered at public hospitals, ambulatory care centers and outpatient clinics operated by the Hospital Authority.
