Hong Kong lawmakers call for simpler fee waiver process under healthcare reform

Hong Kong lawmakers have urged the government to simplify the application process for a fee waiver mechanism to be expanded under a healthcare reform plan, while also stepping up nighttime services at public clinics.

Legislators made their appeals on Wednesday, a day after health authorities announced plans to reform the public healthcare subsidy regime next January, including the expansion of an existing fee waiver mechanism that would enable 1.1 million more people to seek free treatment.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu from the Federation of Trade Unions supported the move but expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and complexity of the application process, resulting in some eligible residents not being identified. He urged authorities to simplify the application procedure.

“There is no application form online. Residents must go in person to consult a medical social worker,” Tang told a radio show.

Currently, patients who face financial difficulties paying medical expenses can apply for a fee waiver by submitting relevant documents to the Medical Social Services Unit, run by the Social Welfare Department, at public hospitals during office hours for assessment.

“The primary duty of medical social workers is to care and provide counselling for patients staying in hospital. Handling individuals who are only seeking a fee waiver may not be their top priority,” Tang said, adding people might not receive timely help or adequate support if the application process only began on January 1 next year.