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. A major expansion of technical education and industrial training is in progress and two more technical institutes, making 7 in all, will open in 1985. The Government is currently considering the recommendations of an international panel appointed to conduct an overall review of the education system.
3.2 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. Three post-secondary colleges provide courses for about 7,500 students. 24,000 students
are enrolled on formal courses of Adult Education. Planning has begun for a second polytechnic and a third university is under consideration. The Government is aiming to increase enrolment in higher education by 4% p.a. up to 1988.
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 840,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