Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau held a press conference on March 25 to announce details of the public healthcare service fee reform, with adjustments to emergency room charges being a key focus. Hong Kong NPC Deputy and Legislative Council Member Dennis Lam addressed the reform and called for expanded night outpatient services in public hospitals.
Dennis Lam highlighted that Hong Kong has long relied on a highly subsidized public healthcare model, with the government covering 97.6% of medical costs. However, this has led to long waiting times for public outpatient services, with patients often waiting 1 to 2 years for an appointment.
He pointed out that low public healthcare fees have resulted in overuse and misuse of resources, making it difficult for patients needing timely treatment. He believes that the current medical fee reform will help ensure that resources are allocated more effectively to those most need them.
Lam expressed support for the two-tier charge for accident and emergency (A&E) services, which aims to prioritize critical patients and those facing financial difficulties. However, he also urged the government to increase the availability of night outpatient services in public hospitals.
Many citizens struggle to seek medical attention during daytime hours due to work or other commitments, leading them to visit emergency rooms for non-urgent conditions, further worsening overcrowding. By expanding night outpatient services, the government could effectively divert non-emergency patients, ensuring that public hospitals operate more efficiently while improving accessibility for the working class and grassroots citizens.
Lam emphasized that the reform includes provisions to expand exemption mechanisms, ensuring that low-income and middle-class families benefit from the changes. He reassured the public that the reform follows a balanced approach, ensuring that no one is denied proper medical care due to financial constraints.
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