Gov’t extends patient subsidies for another year

Subsidised consultations are capped at $2,175.

The government extended the pilot scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the GBA for another year until 31 March 2025.

Eligible patients can continue to receive subsidised consultation services at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Arrangements will remain the same with eligible patients only required to pay $108.7 (RMB100) for consultations and the rest will be covered by the government subsidy, capped at $2,175 (RMB2,000).

As of February 2024, over 4,000 eligible patients are enrolled to the scheme with 60% of them being 65 years or older.

Amongst the patients, 96% are residing in Guangdong while 60% are in Shenzhen. 

More than 90% are pleased with the hospital's services and appreciate the convenience of follow-up consultations in the Mainland, avoiding exhausting trips to Hong Kong.

The subsidised consultation services will not cover episodic illnesses, inpatient or day inpatient care, and accidents or emergencies but will continue to cover major SOPC and GOPC services.

New or returning patients may apply HKU-SZH from 1 April 2024.