Hong Kong lawmakers call for simpler fee waiver process under healthcare reform

Hospital Authority chief says applications will be made available via the ‘HA Go’ mobile app, which legislators also suggest

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Patients at the accident and emergency department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 1:43pm, 26 Mar 2025Updated: 9:33pm, 26 Mar 2025

Hong Kong lawmakers have urged the government to simplify the application process for a fee waiver mechanism to be expanded under a healthcare reform plan, while also stepping up nighttime services at public clinics.

Legislators made their appeals on Wednesday, a day after health authorities announced plans to reform the public healthcare subsidy regime next January, including the expansion of an existing fee waiver mechanism that will enable 1.1 million more people to seek free treatment.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu from the Federation of Trade Unions supported the move but expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and complexity of the application process, resulting in some eligible residents not being identified. He urged authorities to simplify the application procedure.

“There is no application form online. Residents must go in person to consult a medical social worker,” Tang told a radio show.

Currently, patients who face financial difficulties paying medical expenses can apply for a fee waiver by submitting documents to certain units run by the Social Welfare Department during office hours for assessment.

“The primary duty of medical social workers is to care and provide counselling for patients staying in hospital. Handling individuals who are only seeking a fee waiver may not be their top priority,” Tang said, adding people might not receive timely help or adequate support if the application process only began on January 1 next year.