Chief Executive Donald Tsang has expressed hope a consensus can be reached on how to reform Hong Kong's healthcare system to lay a solid foundation for its development within his term.

In a statement today, Mr Tsang described healthcare reform as vital for the future of all of us, the next generations and Hong Kong's development.

Noting it is a comprehensive package of proposals to address healthcare financing, Mr Tsang urged all the political parties in the Legislative Council and the whole community to analyse the pros and cons of suggested reform and supplementary financing options rationally and practically and give their views.

He added this is a major step in mapping out the healthcare system's overall development, noting the Government is working concertedly and earnestly to bring forth a better healthcare system for the citizens.

Health indicators among world's best

While Hong Kong's health indicators rank among the best in the world, it is facing the challenge of an ageing population and rising healthcare costs and needs to reform the healthcare system to maintain quality services.

"In doing so, we must also resolve the problem of resources," Mr Tsang said.

Citing the anticipated $10 billion rise in public spending on medical and health services by 2011-12 and the reservation of $50 billion for implementing future healthcare reform, Mr Tsang said these show the Government's ever-increasing commitment to healthcare services, and its determination to work with the community for reforms.

Ensuring everyone enjoys quality services

Chief Secretary Henry Tang said the reform proposals aim to maintain quality healthcare service, enhancing the system's efficiency, promoting competition in service delivery and improving health through preventive care, while ensuring no one will be left unattended.

He said it is crucial to ensure each and every fellow citizen can continue to enjoy quality healthcare services in face of an ageing population, rapid advances in medical technology and the problem of ever rising medical costs.

He stressed the Government's firm commitment to allocate more resources to healthcare, and that public expenditure will remain the system's major financial resource. But Mr Tang said a supplementary financing scheme and the reform measures are needed to make the system sustainable - and one that can offer more choices and better protection for the people.

He hoped the community would actively participate in open and rational discussions about the pros and cons of the reform options with a perspective of their own individual cases and make an informed choice.

The first stage of healthcare reform public consultation will last for three months, until June 13. For details, click here.

Reaction to class suspension

When asked about the school suspension, Mr Tang described Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow's decision as a cautious approach to break the flu cycle and cut down on the chances of cross infections.