Health Bureau backs better private healthcare price transparency

Public hospitals handle the majority of inpatient and specialist care.

The Health Bureau has welcomed a new Consumer Council report that provides recommendations to improve price transparency in the private healthcare sector.

Hong Kong operates a dual-track healthcare system, with public hospitals offering a safety net and private healthcare providing an alternative for those seeking more choices.

However, the Health Bureau noted an imbalance in resource distribution, as public hospitals handle 90% of inpatient and specialist care whilst employing only half of the city’s medical workforce.

It added that improving price transparency in private healthcare will help citizens make more informed medical decisions.

Meanwhile, the government plans to consult the sector this year as part of efforts to draft legislation addressing the issue.