The “Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” will be extended for one year till March 31, 2026, the Health Bureau announced today.
Currently, the scheme is applicable to the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH).
The bureau explained that the extension aims to enable eligible patients of the Hospital Authority (HA) to choose to receive subsidised consultation services at designated collaborating healthcare institutions in the Greater Bay Area.
It added that an enhancement measure will be implemented in order to provide more targeted healthcare support to patients.
From tomorrow, for participating patients to utilise the subsidy under the pilot scheme, they are required to attend consultations at the service departments of the HKU-SZH that correspond with the HA’s outpatient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said: “The Government has long been taking forward collaborations on medical and health aspects in the bay area in accordance with the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits. The HA will continue to explore more in-depth healthcare collaborations with suitable organisations and enhance the efficiency of public healthcare services with a view to shortening patients’ waiting time.”
The scope of subsidised consultation services under the scheme will continue to cover outpatient services provided by the HA. Meanwhile, episodic illnesses, inpatient or day inpatient as well as accident and emergency services are not included.
Eligible patients who wish to continue participating in the pilot scheme may make appointments through the existing channels whereby the HKU-SZH will make appointments at the departments that correspond with the HA’s outpatient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments. They should also complete a declaration to confirm continued participation at the HKU-SZH.
Patients who wish to cease participation and return to Hong Kong for follow-up consultations at the HA’s outpatient clinics may approach the HKU-SZH which will make referral for them to arrange follow-up appointments at the HA’s corresponding outpatient clinics according to their clinical needs.
For eligible patients who have not participated in the pilot scheme before, or those who have joined the scheme but need to have their personal data updated, they may submit an application to the HKU-SZH from tomorrow onwards.
For enquiries, call the HA at 2300 7070 or the HKU-SZH at (86) 0755 86913101.
