Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ7: Consultation paper of "Building a Healthy Tomorrow"

Following is a question by the Hon Sophie Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (June 7):

Question:

Regarding the promotion of and the public response to the consultation paper of "Building a Healthy Tomorrow", will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the details of the authorities' promotion plan for the consultation on the paper, and whether there are promotional programmes which were not implemented or completed as planned;

(b) whether the authorities have, in addition to organising briefings and consultation sessions, established any other channels through which the public can direct their enquiries on the contents of the paper to the authorities, so that the public can understand the paper from the authorities' replies and submit their views on it;

(c) as the authorities have received a total of about 600 submissions during the period of consultation, whether they have assessed if the number of submissions received is in line with the principle of "extensive consultation"; if they have, of the assessment results, and whether they have estimated the number of submissions, if so, whether there is any discrepancy between the estimated number and the actual outcome; and

(d) whether any special promotional efforts have been directed to health care groups or organisations during the period of consultation, to encourage more active participation of the health care sector in expressing their views on the contents of the paper?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Health and Medical Development Advisory Committee (HMDAC) released a consultation document entitled Building a Healthy Tomorrow (the Consultation Document) on July 19, 2005, in which a host of recommendations on the future service delivery model of our healthcare system and other relevant issues have been put forth for public discussion and consultation. To involve greater public participation in mapping out the future direction of our medical reform, the Government sought views from various sectors of the community through a number of channels. The public consultation closed on October 31, 2005. We then summarised details of the consultation and the submissions received in a paper submitted to the Legislative Council Panel on Health Services on December 12, 2005. Our reply to the Hon Mrs Sophie Leung's question is as follows:

(a), (b) and (d) During the public consultation period which lasted three months, publications and leaflets were prepared and distributed for public information. We also posted the Consultation Document on the website of the Home Affairs Bureau's Public Affairs Forum which was targeted at the middle class. Besides, members of HMDAC, representatives from the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and myself had organised and attended a total of 39 briefings, seminars, District Council meetings and public forums. We had also had discussions with various sectors of the community, including medical service providers, health care practitioners and organisations, health care associations, patient groups, academic bodies/students' associations, elderly groups, business and trade bodies, kaifong associations and voluntary organisations, and exchanged views with them on the recommendations of the Consultation Document and the rationale behind the recommendations. We had also had access to their valuable opinions.

In addition, we attended the phone-in programmes of the major radio and television stations to listen directly to the views of the public and had a discussions with them. Through press conferences and media briefings, we elaborated to the media the contents of the Consultation Document. During the consultation period, we followed closely media reports and commentaries on the subject.

(c) During the consultation period of over 3 months, we received some 600 submissions, of which 130 were submitted in the name of organisations. Respondents cover a wide spectrum of the community, including patient groups, private hospitals, doctors in private practice as well as those in public service, medical associations, other allied health groups and organisations, elderly concern groups, academic bodies, non-governmental organisations, the middle class, political parties, business bodies and individuals. We believe that the views received have reflected the different voices and expectations of the community. At the same time, we had taken the opportunity to respond to queries from some members of the public regarding the Consultation Document in our replies.

We continue to receive from time to time submissions from various sectors on this subject after the close of the public consultation period. We also take note of the views received. The public consultation on the Consultation Document is only the first step in our long and difficult journey towards the reform of our health care system. There have been lively discussions on this subject in the public domain. Members of the public and community organisations have been forthcoming in putting forth many constructive ideas. We will continue to canvass public views and take forward the reform in a progressive manner with a view to building a sustainable health care system that caters the needs of the community.


Ends/Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:19

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