HEALTH
Major projects under construction include the extension of the United Christian Hospital, redevelopment of the specialist out-patient clinic and refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, extension and refurbishment of Princess Margaret Hospital, redevelopment of Haven of Hope Hospital and Castle Peak Hospital, extension of the out-patient facilities and refurbishment of Kwong Wah Hospital, a geriatric day hospital at Wong Tai Sin Hospital and the Tai Po Infirmary and Convalescent Hospital. Also in the pipeline are the Tseung Kwan O Hospital, the 618-bed North District Hospital and the relocation of Nethersole Hospital to Tai Po.
Clinics
The government operates 67 general out-patient clinics, providing affordable care to the public. It is estimated that about 13 per cent of the population seek medical consultation at these clinics. Total attendances in 1994 came to 10.4 million. To increase access to public services for residents of remote areas and outlying islands, there are also mobile dispensaries, floating clinics and a flying doctor service. To cater for increasing demand, nine additional clinics are planned in the next decade.
Health care in the territory is also provided by medical practitioners belonging to the Estate Doctors' Association who run clinics in housing estates to provide a low-cost service for residents; medical practitioners in private practice; 85 clinics operated by various charity organisations and 129 exempted clinics registered under the Medical Clinics Ordinance.
Specialised Services
The Department of Health also operates 17 tuberculosis and chest clinics, 10 social hygiene clinics, nine dermatology clinics, five clinical genetic clinics and four child assessment
centres.
Medical Charges
Health promotive and preventive care services are generally free. Under a policy that nobody should be denied adequate medical treatment through lack of means, other medical charges (especially for hospital treatment) are heavily subsidised.
Patients in general wards of public hospitals are charged $54 a day. This fee covers everything from meals, medicine and tests, to surgery or any other treatment required. The charge may be reduced or waived in cases of hardship certified by a medical social worker. Limited numbers of private beds are provided at major public hospitals with higher maintenance and treatment charges.
The charge for a consultation at general out-patient clinics is $29, while that at specialist clinics is $36. Charges for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and child assessment services are also $36 per session. Attendances at geriatric or psychiatric day centres and home visits by community nurses cost $44 per session. These fees may also be waived if warranted.
The charge for injections and dressings in general out-patient clinics is $12, while charges for visits to family planning clinics and methadone clinics remain at $1.
Free medical services continued to be offered at maternal and child health centres, tuberculosis and chest clinics, social hygiene clinics, and accident and emergency departments.
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