SECTION 3: SOCIAL SERVICES
EDUCATION
IN CONFIDENCE
3.1
Approximately 14% of total Government expenditure is on
education (an estimated HK$5,317 million in 1982/83). The
Government provides nine years compulsory free education for all.
There are two universities with a total undergraduate enrolment for the 1982/83 session of nearly 10,000 students, and a postgraduate enrolment of about 2,400. The Hong Kong Polytechnic provides higher education in mainly technical and commercial subjects, and had about 7,500 full-time and 17,400 part-time students registered for the 1982/83 session. Planning has begun for a second Polytechnic.
Three post-secondary colleges provide courses for about 7,500
students. 24,000 students are enrolled on formal courses of Adult
Education. The Government is aiming to increase enrolment in higher education by 4% p.a. up to 1988.
3.2 There are around 1,700 Hong Kong students on first-degree courses in Britain. The Hong Kong Government have instituted a loan
scheme to assist those in difficulties on account of the abolition
of British subsidy for overseas students fees. (see paragraph 5.5)
MEDICAL SERVICES
3.3 There are four hospital regions in Hong Kong, each of which is served by a regional hospital, one or more district hospitals and a number of general and specialist clinics. There are currently 4.3 hospital beds available per 1,000 population, (cf Japan 10.6, UK 8.3 US 6.3, Malaysia 3.7), and one doctor per 1,110 people (cf Japan 845, UK 659, US 595, Malaysia 7,302: figures for 1976/7). Health charges are minimal: HK$5 per visit to an out-patient clinic and HK$10 per day in hospitals. These charges are waived for children and other special categories, and in cases of hardship.
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IN CONFIDENCE