Today (March 25), the Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-Mau, held a press conference to unveil details of the public healthcare service fee reform. He emphasized that the services provided by the Hospital Authority are the cornerstone of Hong Kong's healthcare system and a safety net for all citizens and that it is essential to ensure their sustainability.
The first phase of the adjustments will be implemented in 2026, with subsequent reviews of the fee levels every two years based on existing mechanisms.
Key points from Lou Cheung-Mau's announcement include:
- Five Principles: The government will advance the public healthcare fee reform based on five key principles:
- No Reduction in Burden: All proceeds from the reform will be reinvested into public healthcare.
- Shared Payments: Introduce co-payments for mild conditions to correct the current imbalance where mild conditions are more expensive and severe cases receive higher subsidies.
- Balanced Support: Enhance protections for low-income, urgent, severe, and critically ill patients while reducing waste.
- High Subsidy Rate: Maintain a 90% overall subsidy rate for public healthcare.
- Gradual Implementation: The reform will be phased over five years to consider the public's ability to bear the financial burden.
This reform aims to ensure a fair and sustainable public healthcare system for all residents of Hong Kong.
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