The Health & Medical Development Advisory Committee has started deliberation on healthcare financing and is expected to release a consultation paper to consult the public by end of this year, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Dr Chow said the medical reform is aimed at rectifying the serious imbalance between the public and private sectors.

It is also aimed at changing the habit of people seeking non-emergency treatments at the accident and emergency wards, encouraging them to seek minor treatment from a family doctor, and promoting a healthy-lifestyle among the public.

Dr Chow said the cost of each patient at the A & E wards is about $800, which is much higher than the charge of private doctors.

To rectify the situation, the Government is considering providing family health doctor services near the wards to reduce the long queue at the hospitals.

He said to prevent non-Hong Kong residents from abusing the medical services, the authorities are now reviewing the medial charges for non-Hong Kong residents and will submit a proposal to the Legislative Council in the next one or two months for deliberation.