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Hong Kong’s proposed chronic disease screening scheme will not be free for low-income earners, says health official
- Libby Lee, undersecretary for health, stressed that medical fees for chronic diseases should be ‘co-paid’ by patients and government
- Authorities plan to subsidise over half of high blood pressure and diabetes screening charges at private clinics for residents aged 45 or above
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Low-income Hongkongers will still have to pay for a proposed subsidised screening programme for chronic diseases, but authorities are exploring ways to further reduce their financial burden, according to a health official.
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“There is no fee exemption under the pilot scheme. We want residents to be responsible for their health first,” Libby Lee Ha-yun, the undersecretary for health, said on a radio programme on Monday.
Lee was referring to the administration’s proposal to subsidise over half of the high blood pressure and diabetes screening charges at private clinics for residents aged 45 or above.
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“We understand that some families with economic difficulties may not be able to afford [the tests],” she said. “We are discussing with the Hospital Authority about providing services through general outpatient clinics.”
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