Sir,
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DRAFT SPEECH BY DR HON HARRY FANG, CBE, LLD,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 27.3.85
Budget Debate 1985
JP
The Financial Secretary is to be congratulated for introducing once again a fair and sensible budget despite deficits running 3 years. He has tried hard to look after the average wage earner, the sandwiched class and the elderly.
Rightly so, he put on new taxes and increased existing levies on dispensable and luxury items and certain categories of fees. The response from the public at large has been more
than complimentary.
Privatization of Government hospitals and clinics
I had spok en on various aspects of the organisation and administration of Government hospitals and clinics in previous debates in this Council, but it seems that the points I made have not received serious consideration by Government. I do feel the time is right for Government to have another look at the subject. I realize that a team of consultants have been appointed to look into possible improvements on the management of our hospitals. Without pre-empting their recommendations and the views of the Medical Development Advisory Committee, of which I am the Chairman, I feel duty bound as a legislator to present my personal views in this Chamber as I consider that a major change of policy is required.
At the present time we are spending $2,000 million each year on our hospitals and clinics, and the great majority of which are under the direct control of the Director of Medical and Health Services whose responsibility is so stretched that he is held directly accountable for whatever mishaps, complaints and discontent that may arise therefrom
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