The review of public hospital charges is set to be announced soon. Reports suggest that the authorities plan to implement a two-tier charging system for emergency room services, where critically ill and urgent patients will be treated for free, while charges for emergency, semi-urgent, and non-urgent patients will increase from the current HK$180 to levels comparable to private clinics.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the media today (March 18), stating that the charge review is part of healthcare reform.
"The Department of Health must adhere to three principles: reducing healthcare expenditure, prioritizing those in need of services, and minimizing waste of resources such as medications and services."
Lee emphasized that the charge review is not a measure to cut spending but rather an adjustment to expand resource allocation, focusing more on efficiency and effectiveness. According to him, the priority is to consider those who most need public hospital services, including individuals facing economic difficulties and patients with urgent, severe, or critical conditions.
He also noted that he has urged the Department of Health to complete the review as soon as possible, aiming to announce details within this month.
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