Press Releases

Acting SFH on seasonal influenza and fees and charges at public hospitals

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Acting Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after conducting home visits in Yuen Long District under the "Celebrations for All" project today (June 9):

Reporter: When do you expect the summer flu season will arrive? Or do you think it will arrive earlier than expected?

Acting Secretary for Food and Health: Actually we are now looking at the situation, because according to the surveillance of the Centre for Health Protection, we notice that there is an increasing trend in the number of flu cases, both in adults as well as in children. Therefore, we appeal to the general public that they should take care of their own hygienic condition. Especially for children, the parents would have to be very careful. If the children really have flu symptoms or fever, the parents should keep them from going to school. For the Hospital Authority, they will be prepared and continue to monitor the situation.

Reporter: On the measures to exempt more people from payment at public hospitals, are you confident that now everyone in Hong Kong can afford the medical services at public hospitals, despite the impending fee increases later this month?

Acting Secretary for Food and Health: I think the Hospital Authority has very carefully considered the fee increase and the level of increase. If you remember, previously there was a higher fee (increase suggestion). For example, in the Accident and Emergency Department, it was recommended to increase the fees to $220. After consulting many of the stakeholders and getting comments from the general public, we have decided to lower the increase level to $180. If you look at other fees and charges increases, it is actually very minimal. Therefore, we think this is going to work, but obviously we will monitor and also evaluate the situation. The recent announcement of the measures of exemption and helping the low-income families are some of the measures that the Hospital Authority is trying to help those who may not be able to afford.

Reporter: Will the Government consider subsidising more low-income people?

Acting Secretary for Food and Health: As this is the first stage, we will monitor the situation and see how it goes before considering the next step.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, June 9, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:00
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