XN000022-1995-05-03 — Page 49

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(b)

(c)

(d)

of the average annual expenditure on such treatments over the past three years;

whether any patients are required to pay for the injections; if so, what the number of such patients is; and

if the answer to (c) is in the affirmative, whether consideration will be given to adopting other kinds of medical treatments for patients who cannot afford to pay for the injections; if so, what the costs of such kinds of treatment are?

Reply:

Mr President,

As at 31 December 1994, about 2,000 patients suffering from end stage renal failure were provided with dialysis treatment in our public hospitals, of whom some 320 were receiving Erythropietin injections. The average annual expenditure incurred by the Hospital Authority in providing such injections over the past three years is $3.13 million.

About half of the 320 renal patients receiving Erythropoietin injections are contributing towards part or full cost for their treatment. This has been a historical practice when new treatment modalities using expensive drugs were launched in our public hospitals.

In line with the policy that no one should be prevented from obtaining adequate medical treatment through lack of means, patients who cannot afford Erythropoietin injections can apply for waivers through the medical social workers. Furthermore, we are conducting a comprehensive review in conjunction with the Hospital Authority to rationalise the fee structure in public hospitals.

Patients who suffer from anaemia could be given other types of treatment such as periodic blood transfusion, the overall cost of which is much less than Erythropoietin injection. The type of treatment to be used should however be determined by the medical needs of patients as well as the efficacy of the treatment modality prescribed.

End/Wednesday, May 3, 1995