Emergency services at Hong Kong’s public hospitals have operated smoothly on the first day of the new year despite raising fees for non-urgent cases, but some patients from minority groups said they were unaware of the changes.
Starting on Thursday, New Year’s Day of 2026, patients visiting accident and emergency rooms at Hong Kong public hospitals with less urgent conditions will have to pay higher fees of HK$400 (US$50) per visit.
Meanwhile, the fees for those classified as critical and emergency cases would be waived.
Previously, emergency services were charged at a flat rate of HK$180.
The new fee regime is part of a broader plan to enhance the sustainability of the public healthcare system, which is heavily subsidised by taxpayers’ money.
On Thursday morning, the accident and emergency room at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei was operating smoothly, with no friction observed between staff and patients.
