Hong Kong is considering charging for outpatient services such as MRI scans and CT imaging in public hospitals — services that are currently fully funded by government — as part of its medical reform to cut waiting times, curb abuses and recalibrate the use of resources.  

Speaking to the media on Friday after attending a meeting at the city’s legislature, Hong Kong Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau revealed on Friday that the costs of complex imaging tests, currently fully funded by the government, may have to be partially borne by patients.

Lo said that the per-item costs would only apply to outpatient services, not to emergency services or inpatient treatments; patients will still be able to receive examinations free of charge in urgent situations.

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Local media reported on Friday that the government is expected to unveil a plan for adjusting public healthcare fees in the coming weeks.

Due to increasing demand, waiting times have become longer, creating issues of overuse, Lo said — adding that the move to introduce charges is intended to ensure there can be more precise targeting of subsidies to those in genuine need.

Lo said that the authorities are seeking ways to ensure there is a more precise allocation of resources, especially for medical services that are heavily subsidized by the government, and are taking into account the costs of the services, the contributions that patients may reasonably be expected to make, priorities in the use of resources, and residents' financial capabilities.

He said that amid the adjustment process, the government's commitment to healthcare will remain unchanged, and any additional revenue generated from fee adjustments will be entirely reinvested into medical services.

Lo said he believes that the new outpatient service charges will encourage patients to consult their family doctor as a first step, rather than immediately seek a medical consultation with a specialist in a hospital.

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Local media reports suggest that the government will announce these adjustments in the coming weeks, including reforms to emergency room charges, with the objective of directing resources toward individuals with greater needs, such as critical care and cancer patients.

Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com