Hong Kong integrates chronic disease schemes under new primary healthcare network

Hong Kong’s Primary Healthcare Commission has launched a new Primary Healthcare Co-care Network, integrating existing chronic disease management initiatives as part of a broader effort to strengthen community-based healthcare services.

The network, which begins operation immediately, will run for an initial five-year phase and aims to serve about 700,000 residents. It will incorporate the government’s Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme and the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme with plans to gradually expand coverage to more chronic illnesses and additional medical services.

The government first introduced the Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme in 2023 for patients suffering from common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Health officials said the scheme has performed better than expected since its launch.

As of the end of February this year, 213,000 people had enrolled in the pilot scheme, reaching the target of 200,000 participants nearly 10 months ahead of schedule. About 123,000 participants have completed health screenings, according to officials.

Authorities said the scheme is believed to have helped prevent around 9,000 heart disease cases and about 10,000 deaths, describing the initiative as highly cost-effective. The government has since decided to make the scheme a regular service.

Under the new Co-care Network, the existing chronic disease scheme and hepatitis B screening services will be brought together under a single platform to improve coordination of primary healthcare services. The network will also gradually add more services, including medical laboratory testing and radiological diagnostic services, to enhance early detection and management of chronic illnesses.

Primary Healthcare Commissioner Pang Fei-chau said the scope of the network will expand over time as healthcare services become more integrated.

He said the network will also extend to women and elderly patients, including those receiving follow-up care at Department of Health clinics as well as suitable patients attending family medicine clinics under the Hospital Authority.

The network will continue to operate using the existing service model of the Chronic Disease Co-care scheme.

For the coming financial year, the initiative is expected to cost HK$2.6 billion, with funding allocated for subsidies to doctors, community drug formularies and newly added radiology services.

Pang said the network’s target of 700,000 participants includes residents who will receive diagnostic services, medical consultations and other healthcare support.

While the chronic disease scheme has already been regularized, the five-year network will be reviewed after the healthcare system and supporting services — including laboratory testing, medication supply and community pharmacies — become more fully established.

Officials said the development of the network will also depend on changes in healthcare needs among different patient groups.