Opinion | With a budget deficit, Hong Kong needs to optimise healthcare spending

Following the release of the latest Hong Kong budget, it’s worth taking a deep dive into the city’s fiscal dynamics and healthcare financing – and challenging the perception that healthcare must always be a significant financial burden.

With the government likely to face constraints in implementing any extensive healthcare measures due to the budget deficit, we should direct attention towards enhancing the efficiency of existing services and plans.

Healthcare underfunding ultimately leads to higher costs. The pressure on hospital stays and emergency services, and the ripple effects of an under-resourced healthcare system serve as a wake-up call. We must recognise the importance of shrewdly investing in our healthcare system so it can flourish and help sustain Hong Kong’s development.

The city’s healthcare system, with its heavy reliance on public services, faces challenges in financing, service provision and maintaining an adequate workforce.

One effective approach outlined in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint is strategic purchasing, an approach endorsed by the World Health Organization. This involves more than just saving money; it is a resource allocation philosophy that demands thoughtful procurement decisions that reflect evolving health needs.