XN000022-1995-07-19 — Page 100

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Health care for Vietnamese boat people

The following is a question by Dr the Hon Lam Kui-chun and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Security, Mr Ken Woodhouse, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the provision of health care for Vietnamese Boat People (VBP), will the Administration inform this Council how much money has been spent to date on:

(1) health care provided in VBP detention centres;

Reply:

(ii)

obstetrical care provided in public hospitals; and

all other health care provided in public hospitals?

(iii)

Mr President,

The total expenditure incurred by the Department of Health on health care for Vietnamese migrants in the detention centres since 1989 is $133 million.

The cumulative charges imposed by the Hospital Authority from 1992/93′ to 1994/95 for the provision of obstetrical care and other health care to Vietnamese migrants in public hospitals are estimated to be $1.13 million and $3.86 million respectively. These charges, which are met by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, represent about 2% of the actual cost of the services provided. A breakdown of hospital care figures as between obstetrical and other health care for the years before 1992-93 is not available.

End/Wednesday, July 19, 1995

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