 |
System overhaul: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said medical expenses are on the rise. In the face of the aging population and rapid technological development, there is an urgent need to tackle the issue of healthcare financing. |
|
The Health & Medical Development Advisory Committee will launch a consultation on the long-term mode of medical service in July, before preparing detailed healthcare financing proposals for public consideration, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.
Speaking on an RTHK talk show this morning, Dr Chow said medical expenses are on the rise. In the face of the aging population and rapid technological development, there is an urgent need to tackle the issue of healthcare financing, he said.
Public participation is crucial in resolving the issue and more effective communications with the public are needed to let them fully understand the financial implications of different modes of service - on the part of the Government and the public - to help them make a decision.
Family doctor system needed
Dr Chow added a two-day public consultation session will be held in July to collate views.
He said initial studies on dental service, Chinese medicine and psychiatric service will also be launched, but they will not be included in the present mode of service review.
On basic medical service, Dr Chow said there is a need to establish a family doctor system, so that every citizen will have a detailed medical record, but added the public out-patient service will be maintained to take care of needy families.
Raise charges to change pattern
He said raising the current, relatively low, public medical charges will help change the public's pattern in seeking medical consultation. He hopes they will approach family doctors for minor problems so as to reduce the pressure on the accident and emergency service.
Dr Chow said a family doctor should be able to establish a long-term relationship with patients, fees should be affordable and there should be networks with specialists for referral.
But he pointed out private doctors' present service and operations transparency is improving.
On a mandatory medical insurance system, Dr Chow said it should be able to cover people of all ages while the Government will take care of the serious illnesses, adding tax allowances can also be considered to attract people to buy medical insurance.
Go To Top
|
