15 -
I have no intention to depart from this established principle by subjecting well- off patients to means testing with a view to restricting their access to public medical services.
The review conducted by Government seeks to explore different strategies for the future development of our healthcare system against rising public expectations, escalating costs and ageing population. The scope of this exercise covers a wide range of complex and inter-related issues such as cost containment, interface between primary health care and hospital services, role of the private sector, fee structure and financing options. I assure Members that Government will consult public opinion as well as the views of this Council in the process.
End
Employees Compensation Assistance Fund
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Wing-chan and a reply by the Secretary for the Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The compensation paid from the Employees Compensation Assistance Fund (the Fund) in the two recent cases was in excess of $10 million per case, resulting in the current balance of the Fund standing at around $50 million only. This is causing concern that the Fund may go bankrupt should there be a few more claims involving huge amounts of compensation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
of the number of cases being handled by the Employees Compensation Assistance Fund Board (the Board); how many of these cases involve claims arising out of the failure of employers to take out workmen's compensation insurance policy for their employees; and whether the Government has estimated if the current balance of the Fund is sufficient to pay the compensation in respect of the cases being handled by the Board;
whether consideration will be given to reviewing the Fund's operation; and whether the Government will increase its capital injection in the event that the balance of the Fund is insufficient to meet the claims; and