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Hospital Authority response to Budget Estimates
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    In response to media enquiries about the budget allocation to the Hospital Authority (HA) in 2008-09, the HA Chairman, Mr Anthony Wu, gave the following response:

    We welcome the increase of 2.6% in budget allocation by the Government to HA for the coming fiscal year 2008-09.  This continuous support from the Government reflects its confidence in HA and its commitment to providing quality healthcare services to the community.

    We are also pleased to note the injection of $1 billion into the Samaritan Fund to enable more new medicines to be included on the subsidy list of the fund to relieve the burden on patients with financial difficulties.

    We will continue to use public resources in a most efficient manner.  With the additional allocation, we will continue to enhance our service quality and standards and boost staff morale to further public confidence and trust.

    The additional funding allocated to HA in 2008-09 will cover, among others, the following key programme areas:

- Enhance healthcare services in New Territories West Cluster through phased opening of the redeveloped Pok Oi Hospital and Rehabilitation Block of Tuen Mun Hospital

- Improve services in Kowloon East Cluster through expansion of Tseung Kwan O Hospital Ambulatory Surgery Centre, enhancement of breast cancer services at United Christian Hospital, and establishment of an integrated one-stop ambulatory otorhinolaryngology centre

- Additional provision for haemodialysis and enhanced provision of new cancer drugs to improve cancer service

- Strengthening mental health programmes such as enhancement of post-discharge community support to frequent re-admitters and psychiatric consultation liaison service at accident & emergency departments in public hospitals

- Launch a pilot scheme for accreditation in public hospitals to improve patient safety

- Extend the psychogeriatric outreach programme to all residential care homes for the elderly to enhance the quality of life of elders who require psychogeriatric inputs

    We also welcome the Government's commitment to set aside $50 billion from fiscal reserves for healthcare reform.  We will participate fully in the forthcoming public consultation on healthcare financing reform which will set the direction for future development of the public healthcare system in Hong Kong.

Ends/Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:32

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