Concern that medical fee adjustments 'may deter' others from seeking help

Cheng Wong

Public hospitals' revised medical fees may deter grassroots citizens and the "sandwich class" from seeking necessary medical support, the Society for Community Organization said.

It stressed that residents are compelled to use A&E services due to the current lack of sufficient primary health-care options, saying authorities could have offered more medical choices for patients instead of merely adjusting fees.

It also expressed concerns that raising fees to levels similar to private clinics may prompt private services to adjust theirs, potentially driving people back to A&E.

Some residents believe asking patients to cover part of the fees is reasonable, while others argue that the new prices are expensive and may not effectively change patients' habits.

Some said they were unable to tell if their condition was urgent, stressing: "Of course, I would go to the A&E first."

Hong Kong Patients' Voices chairman Alex Lam Chi-yau said: "I am concerned that the increase may deter urgent patients from using A&E services. If the fees are raised too much, they might avoid seeking help, which could worsen their conditions."

A public hospital doctor had expressed concerns over abuse of the HK$10,000 cap.

"Some patients are recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and do not have to pay out of their own pocket," said Hong Kong Public Doctors' Association vice president Kwok Wang-chun.

"Another issue is that every hospital has patients who are very anxious and may visit A&E for minor illnesses."

Our Hong Kong Foundation supported the review of public hospital fees, saying it would enhance the public health-care system's sustainability.

Head of Healthcare and Social Innovation at OHKF Dicky Chow Ka-chun believes expanding the co-payment mechanism can enhance healthcare resource efficiency and empower people to take charge of their health.

But he cautioned that co-payment amounts must match people's financial capacity to ensure access to necessary medical services without financial strain.

Lawmaker Edward Leung Hei from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong believes it is more important for the Hospital Authority to first ensure proper support measures are in place rather than adjusting prices.

He noted that of the 74 general outpatient clinics under the HA, only 23 offer evening services, and just 14 operate on Sundays and public holidays.

Leung suggested strengthening and extending evening clinic services to divert non-urgent patients from seeking treatment in A&E.