Policy Address

IX. Healthcare

186.     The ageing population brings challenges to our healthcare services.  We will continue to enhance healthcare service provision, plan for healthcare manpower and improve regulation.

Public Healthcare Services

187.     The Steering Committee on Review of Hospital Authority has reviewed the organisation structure, cluster arrangement, resources, performance and personnel management system of the HA to explore directions for enhancement and improvement.  The Steering Committee will put forward recommendations within this year.

188.     In 2015-16, the HA plans to spend about $1 billion out of the $13 billion provision granted for minor works projects to improve the facilities of public hospitals and clinics, such as adding hospital beds and other treatment and diagnostic facilities.

189.     The Government will pursue the construction of an acute general hospital in the Kai Tak Development Area.  Upon completion of Phase 1, there will be an oncology centre, as well as in-patient and ambulatory services.  In addition, the HA plans to provide approximately 250 additional hospital beds, and increase operating theatre sessions and quota for endoscopy examination to cope with escalating demand.

190.     The HA also plans to increase the general out-patient clinic episodic quota in the Kowloon Central, Kowloon East, Kowloon West, New Territories East and New Territories West Clusters in 2015-16.  It will also enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment by expanding the coverage of the Drug Formulary.

191.     The DH and the HA have set up a working group to study the feasibility of trying out in the public healthcare system a screening programme for newborn babies for inborn errors of metabolism.  The working group will study the types of disease to be screened, scientific evidence on the effectiveness of screening, actual arrangements and related recommendations.

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