Diagnostic curbs easing set for Chinese meds

Cheng Wong

The Health Bureau plans to amend the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance in the first half to allow radiographers and medical laboratory technologists to accept referrals from Chinese medicine practitioners, according to Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau.

Once it takes effect, Lo said, referral arrangements can be implemented following discussions and preparatory work by statutory councils or boards overseeing Chinese medicine and related professions.

All practitioners will be able to make referrals, not just those affiliated with Chinese medicine hospitals.

Further discussions within the industry are necessary to clarify the acceptance of these referrals.

The bureau had invited the Chinese Medicine Council and its practitioners' board to set up a working group in December 2023 to discuss and conduct in-depth studies on the referral process.

The administration has proposed implementing the easing in two phases.

The first allows radiographers and medical lab technologists in hospitals to accept referrals from in-house Chinese med practitioners.

The second will see a revision of guidelines, enabling referrals from practitioners in the industry, with implementation occurring gradually based on ongoing discussions.

Lo also said the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme has attracted 95,000 participants as of January 9.

Nearly 55,000 were screened for diabetes and hypertension, with elevated blood sugar levels found in close to 40 percent of them.

The administration plans to expand the scheme to include lipid profile screenings within this year.

David Lam Tzit-yuen, who represents the health sector in the Legislative Council, said there is a need to improve morale among public doctors hit by excessive workloads and long hours.

The negative attitudes of some colleagues can adversely affect overall functioning, yet there appears to be hesitancy to address the issue.

Legco member Chan Pui-leung said there is a need for reforms to get more people to buy insurance to alleviate long-term pressure on the public healthcare system.

He proposed increasing the maximum deductible for voluntary health insurance from HK$8,000 to HK$12,000 to provide greater incentives.