Chronic disease subsidy gets mixed response

Many private-sector doctors are hesitant about joining in the new subsidized screening scheme for chronic diseases as the amount is, despite the Health Bureau's saying it believes they will opt for it, too low.

The new chronic disease co-care pilot scheme, to be launched mid-November, is expected to benefit 200,000 people, allowing them to be screened for common chronic diseases for only HK$120 and get discounted HK$150 follow-up consultations.

The government will pay HK$166 per consultation and recommends family doctors charge patients HK$150 each time.

Hong Kong Doctors Union vice-chairman Chan Pui-kwong said most private doctors support the scheme.

But many of them are still hesitant about joining it as the amount only covers half of the consultation fee, he said.

"Taking diabetes as an example, the medical cost is really low if doctors prescribe minimal amounts of basic medications. But all new drugs are excluded from the government's list and will cost around HK$300 per month," Chan said.

"If the patients' condition is not controlled well and they have to use other drugs at their own expense, doctors will have to consider if they will accept it and whether the prescription will cause unnecessary clashes," he added.

But the director of the bureau's strategic purchasing office, Cheung Wai-lun, said more than 200 doctors have signed up since registration started late last month and expects more to join in.

"Most doctors participating in the scheme followed the government's recommendation and will charge patients around HK$150 for each consultationThey can also adjust the medical fee paid by patients every year," he said.

Cheung said if patients need to undergo extra examinations at their own expense, they can discuss it with doctors, who are not required to inform the health authorities.

The government launched the scheme to promote the concept of family doctors and health followups, Cheung said, adding that people interested in the scheme can look for a suitable family doctor online.

Deputy Secretary for Health Eddie Lee Lik-kong also said the hope is for Hongkongers to undergo screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure.

He believes the scheme is attractive, adding that citizens can visit nearby family doctors at a lower price.

Lee also said doctors can make the final decision when setting the consultation fee, but they must charge patients in a transparent manner.