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The Government has commissioned Professor William Shiao of the Harvard University to conduct a review of Hong Kong's healthcare financing and delivery system, the final report is due by the end of this month.

Professor Hsiao has been commissioned to review the current healthcare system in Hong Kong , conduct an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations for a future healthcare financing and delivery system suitable for Hong Kong.

A spokesman for the Health and Welfare Bureau said today (Saturday), " The steering committee on the consultancy, chaired by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, will meet to discuss upon receipt of the report. The Government will consider the findings of the recommendations and prepare a public consultation document on this subject.

" We are fully aware of the importance of and public interest in this subject and will commence a public consultation around the middle of this year to solicit the views of the community and the professional bodies," he added.

End/Saturday, January 2, 1999

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