Public Healthcare

Healthcare Policy

107.     The public consultation on healthcare found that there was support for the introduction of a government-regulated voluntary Health Protection Scheme (HPS) to promote private healthcare reform.  We are preparing to implement the HPS.  First, we will work out the operational details, including the supervisory and institutional frameworks and financial incentives to be funded by the $50 billion set aside for healthcare reform.  Second, we will review healthcare manpower planning and professional development to ensure an adequate supply of healthcare personnel to meet future needs, and to raise professional standards.  Third, we will enhance market transparency and develop supporting facilities.  We expect to complete these three tasks in the first half of 2013 and then proceed with the necessary legislative process, so that the HPS can be rolled out as soon as possible.

Provision of Additional Resources

108.     In the past few years, the Government has provided additional resources to improve healthcare services to meet public needs.  The amount of recurrent funding allocated to the Hospital Authority has increased significantly by nearly 25%, from $29 billion in 2007 to $36 billion in 2011.  An additional $2.6 billion has been allocated to buy and upgrade equipment.

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