HK calls on public's views on healthcare reform

来源：百度文库 编辑：神马文学网 时间：2024/04/30 07:23:29

HK calls on public's views on healthcare reform

10:55, October 07, 2010      

Email | Print | Subscribe | Comments | Forum 

Increases the bookmark twitter facebook digg Google Windowslive Delicious buzz friendfeed Linkedin diigo reddit stumbleupon

The Hong Kong government Wednesday published the second stage public consultation document on healthcare reform, under which a government-regulated, voluntary Health Protection Scheme is proposed for a three-month public consultation.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday to release the consultation document entitled "My Health My Choice", Hong Kong's Secretary for Food and Health York Chow said, "The first stage consultation held in 2008 clearly reflected that there was a general recognition on the need for healthcare reform."

"On healthcare financing, a greater proportion of the public expressed reservations about mandatory financing options," he added.

According to the first round consultation results, members of the public preferred voluntary choice for personalized healthcare services, and expected more choices of private healthcare services according to their own means and needs, as an alternative to public healthcare services. Voluntary private health insurance was acceptable to many of them.

Given its voluntary nature, the scheme, aiming at enhancing the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system, can strengthen the protection for those who have subscribed to health insurance.

This will have a positive effect on enhancing the sustainability of private healthcare financing and the development of private healthcare services, thus relieving the burden on the public healthcare sector in the long run and benefiting those who need public services, Chow mentioned.

Chow stressed that the government will only increase, and not reduce, its commitment to healthcare when taking forward the scheme and will continue to uphold public healthcare services as the community's healthcare safety net.

"The government is increasing its funding for healthcare, from 30.5 billion HK dollars (about 3.93 billion HK dollars) in 2007-08 to 36.9 billion HK dollars in 2010-11," he said.

He noted that over 5 billion HK dollars was committed to taking forward various healthcare services reforms, which include enhancing primary care services; launching public-private partnership projects in healthcare one after another; sharing electronic health record under the first stage of the program to be implemented in 2013-14; and strengthening public healthcare safety net and expanding the coverage of the Drug Formulary.

Besides, the government invests in healthcare infrastructure and equipment and strengthens safety net with a total commitment of over 15 billion HK dollars. (1 U.S. dollar equals 7.756 HK dollars)

Source:XinhuaRelated Reading

  • HK entries invited for 2011 State Science and Technology Awards

  • HK records over 380,000 arrivals on October 1

  • Rules on private capital in health by Oct-end: NDRC

  • Brazil's Vale to list shares on HK exchange

  • Brazil's Vale to list shares on HK exchange

  • HK First Pacific raises $400 million

  • Hong Kong's business environment ranks second in the world

  • HK shares end down on China Mobile sale

  • HK shares end up for 5th straight session

  • Ukrainian President to visit HK

HK calls on public's views on healthcare reform U.S., South Korea begin military exercises, as China calls for emergency talks on North Korea Chinese president calls on media to contribute to harmonious world Chinese President calls on teachers to embrace innovation Xinhua Insight: Calls growing for reform of China's divisive household registration system Guardian Unlimited|What‘s on the Mind? Who's Spending on Social Networks? - eMarket... China cracks down on Chongqing's gangsters U.S. extends sanctions on Myanmar U.S. threats more sanctions on Pyongyang China's tycoons pass on Gates' invitation Alonso's title hopes hang on hearing China's moon goal right on schedule China's moon goal right on schedule 'Bench teacher' popular on China's Internet U.S., Brazil agree on open skies Some Words on McDonald’s Successful Experienc... China steps up research on administration reform //China welcomes international aid to quake relief: The Long Tail－－A public diary on themes around my book CPC plenary session calls for developing the economy based on scientific concept Senior leader calls on law enforcement agencies to maintain social justice Yahoo! Search Blog: Jerry‘s Take On What‘s Ne... What's in Dalai Lama's mind on his birthday? Premier calls for accelerating political reform