Some media sources have reported that the government will announce details of adjustments to public healthcare fees within the next few weeks.
It is understood that, in addition to considering adjustments to emergency room fees, there will also be plans to implement itemized charges for certain services, including CT scans and MRIs. However, it is emphasized that prices will remain at an affordable level, and these charges will not apply to patients with urgent or severe conditions.
Sources indicate that these healthcare reforms will also involve expanding the healthcare safety net in Hong Kong to better support patients who require costly treatments for cancer and rare diseases. Authorities hope that the reforms will enable middle-class individuals, who suffer from serious illnesses but do not qualify for aid, to avoid having to sell their assets to cover exorbitant medical expenses.
The sources did not disclose specific details regarding the adjustments to public hospital fees, but they made it clear that this fee reform will be significant and structural. Additionally, non-emergency patients may be required to pay higher fees to better subsidize critically ill patients facing substantial medical costs, while also allocating resources for public healthcare purposes.
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