Tong gets dose of mainland health care

Executive councillor and Path of Democracy convener Ronny Tong Ka-wah praised China's health-care system for its treatment of him in the wake of his fall during a hike in Xinjiang that ended with him fracturing two ribs.

He had to be flown to the autonomous region's capital, Urumqi, for treatment as he was in "immense pain."

Many politicians have been going on vacation or overseas visits as the Legislative Council is having its summer recess and will not resume before tomorrow, ahead of the policy address on October 25.

For Tong, that sojourn was to Xinjiang and a visit to Hemu Village, which is near Kanas Lake in Burqin County of Altay Prefecture and known for its spectacular views.

However, during a hike to watch the sunrise on Saturday, Tong slid on frost while heading downhill and was injured.

"I was immediately flown to Urumqi for treatment and the doctor diagnosed that I had fractured two of my rib bones," Tong said.

The doctor also said there was no immediate cure and that Tong would have to let the wound heal itself.

"I am still feeling pain when I try to get out of bed or stand up and I need to wear a lumbar belt," Tong said.

The experience, he said, has given him an opportunity to learn more about the mainland's health-care system.

"I have learned that its medical and health-care system is very efficient, as it took me less than two hours from seeing a doctor, doing a computerized tomography scan and getting my medication," Tong said.

It was cheap and quick, he said, even better than being treated at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital - one of the SAR's best private hospitals - as it might probably cost him more than HK$10,000.

"My experience this time made me learn a lesson, but on the other hand, also allowed me to learn a lot about the mainland's health-care and medical system," Tong said.

A CT scan of the abdomen ranges from HK$4,180 to HK$7,520 at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in Happy Valley, while staying one day in one of its general wards will cost around HK$1,300 to HK$1,900.

However, a Hongkonger can enjoy public health care, with a CT scan costing from HK$740 to HK$5,480, while a day in a ward at a Hospital Authority facility will cost HK$100 per day.