Hong Kong Healthcare Reform Urgent: Health Secretary

Hong Kong Healthcare Reform Urgent: Health Secretary

    Hong Kong Health Secretary Dr York Chow says Hong Kong people should address the healthcare financing issue now.

    He said if a decision cannot be made on sustainable arrangements, the Government will have to raise tax rates substantially or cut funding for other public services.

    Delivering the Letter to Hong Kong broadcast, Dr Chow said an ageing population and rising medical costs are challenges faced by almost all places, including Hong Kong.

    Chow said,” If the healthcare system is not reformed in a timely manner, public healthcare services will not be able to maintain its present level of quality or service capacity for long."

    He said the proposed healthcare reform means no cut in Government spending, adding the Government is committed to increasing the public healthcare budget from 15% to 17% in five years.

    He added, “Hong Kong's healthcare system needs a stable and sufficient funding source over the long-term. This will ensure you and your future generations do not need to shoulder a heavy financial burden or face deteriorating standards."

    Finally, he said,” Healthcare reform is a matter that concerns the health of everyone; we should all take a personal responsibility. We need to address the issue now and do what is right for Hong Kong, or else our citizens would suffer not too far from now."