Online medical consultations expanded during the pandemic, especially for the elderly. Like with online classes and working from home, they helped to limit exposure to the coronavirus in the community. But the telehealth market remains in its early stages. The Consumer Council recently reviewed Hong Kong’s telehealth services in a survey that included 840 consumers,…
The Hong Kong government and a university have denied a claim made by a major private education chain that the tertiary institution had won the bidding process to operate the city’s third medical school, calling the statement groundless. They weighed in on Monday after Beacon College posted a clip to social media saying that “reliable…
Experienced medical administrator Libby Lee Ha-yun will take over as the Hospital Authority’s new chief executive next month, with the doctor pledging to deliver heart-warming service with a human touch at a time when the organisation must carry out far-reaching reforms. Authorities said on Wednesday that Lee, the current undersecretary for health and previously part…
An ongoing pilot scheme for chronic disease screening could help save HK$2.7 billion (US$344 million) in medical expenses if 200,000 people join, Hong Kong authorities have said, with hepatitis B set to be included later. The Health Bureau said on Tuesday that the project would turn into a co-care “platform” and cover more diseases after…
Private hospitals in Hong Kong may be required to provide price estimates to patients and release information about past fees and charges under the government’s proposals to increase transparency in the sector. The Health Bureau said on Wednesday that residents needed clarity on charges in the private healthcare system. “Price transparency is crucial for the…
Private hospitals in Hong Kong may be required to provide price estimates to patients and release information about past fees and charges under the government’s proposals to increase transparency in the sector. The Health Bureau said on Wednesday that residents needed clarity on charges in the private healthcare system. “Price transparency is crucial for the…
Possessing or vaping with alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes in public will be considered an offence in Hong Kong starting from April 30 next year, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and a HK$50,000 (US$6,400) fine. According to an amended bill gazetted by the government on Friday, smoking of such…
Big changes are coming to the fees people pay in Hong Kong’s public healthcare system under reforms that aim to support the neediest patients. Under the revamp, set to take effect on January 1 next year, the government is seeking to bring down the rate it subsidises public healthcare by, from 97.6 per cent, among…
Patients at Hong Kong’s public hospitals and clinics may need to pay more for their prescriptions, with authorities reviewing the current heavily subsidised HK$15 (US$1.92) fee for a 16-week supply of medicine. Without disclosing details of the fee adjustment review, Dr Simon Tang Yiu-hang, director of cluster services at the Hospital Authority, said the aim…
As Hong Kong grapples with an estimated budget deficit of nearly HK$100 billion (US$12.8 billion), Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has urged government departments to tighten their purse strings ahead of announcing his annual budget on February 26. His call has sparked concerns among some observers about the possible impacts of budget cuts, including higher…