The Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau has elaborated on the plan to reform the healthcare system due to population and demographic changes - specifically boosting health management efficiency. The Health Bureau earlier pointed out that even though the overall population in the SAR will increase in 2041, that's not the case for Hong Kong Island, which might drop slightly. One of the key components of the plan, is the merging of Hong Kong East and West hospital clusters, which the health chief said would improve efficiency. Speaking after an RTHK radio programme on Saturday, Lo said the move aims to utilise resources. "We're looking at merging the Hong Kong East and West clusters to co-care for 1.2 million people on Hong Kong Island. This will improve management and administration efficiency," he said. "In terms of medical services, it will allow the two to have a strong collaboration through increased cooperation in terms of training and service." He emphasised that services offered by Eastern Hospital would remain unchanged. Meanwhile, the bureau is also looking into adjusting public hospital charges. Lo revealed that critical and emergency patients might be charged less, noting that the government is responsible for them. As for semi and non urgent patients, he said the authority will offer more a precise subsidy for them.
