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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) submitted its response to the Government's consultation documents on Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) and Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities. The submission had earlier been deliberated and endorsed by the HA Board following active examination and discussions by the management of the Authority.
The HA spokesman today (March 16) said the Authority welcomes the Government's pledge to maintain and strengthen the dual-track healthcare system of the public and private sector and its continuous commitment to public healthcare as the safety net for Hong Kong's population.
"HA also welcomes the implementation of the VHIS as its success should allow HA to focus on its target areas and service quality. HA will give its full support to the Government on the future development and implementation of the VHIS, especially in contributing to the training of healthcare professionals for Hong Kong."
"The VHIS may bring about diversion of activities from the public sector to the private sector. However, the workload and patients' waiting time of public hospitals may not necessarily be reduced in view of the growing need for services from the ageing population. HA will stay mindful of VHIS' impact on service demand and workforce situation in the HA," the spokesman added.
On the regulation of private healthcare facilities, the spokesman pointed out that HA also welcomes the policy directions and recommendations proposed in the consultation document. "Regarding medical incidents reporting, HA has attached great importance to investigation of root causes and open disclosure. We will keep in view the development of the proposed regulatory regime for private healthcare facilities as outlined in the consultation document, while upholding continuous quality improvement in the public sector."
The full version of HA's Response (English version only) to the two consultation documents have been posted on the HA homepage, www.ha.org.hk, under "Special Reports" in "Corporate News".
Ends/Monday, March 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:38
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