Press Releases

Consultation period for health care reform proposals extended

The public consultation on the health care sector reform, scheduled to end on March 15, has now been extended to March 31, a spokesman for the Health and Welfare Bureau said today (February 28).

He said the decision to extend the consultation period was made in response to suggestions by some organizations, including District Council chairmen.

"We hope that by extending the consultation period, members of the public and interested parties will have more time to prepare their views and suggestions so as to help shape the future of Hong Kong's health care system well into the 21st century," the spokesman said.

The Government released the consultation document, entitled "Lifelong Investment in Health", in December last year setting out its vision to re-create a health care system which would enhance the quality of life of the population and enable individuals to develop their full human potentials.

Since publication, it has generated discussion and debate within the community. Senior officials from Health and Welfare Bureau, Department and Health and Hospital Authority have been going round at full stretch, explaining the proposed reforms and listening to views from the health professionals and the public.

The Government will collate and analyze the comments and suggestions received. "We look forward to developing a blueprint for our future health care system in collaboration with the community," the spokesman stressed.

Comments and views can be sent either by mail to the Health Care Reform Unit, Health and Welfare Bureau, 19-20 Floors, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong; by fax (2840 0467); or via e-mail (hcr@hwb.gcn.gov.hk) on or before March 31, 2001.

End/Wednesday, February 28, 2001

NNNN