ENG-2019 — Page 406

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History

To keep pace with the development, the government improved and expanded the infrastructure. Hong Kong was transformed into a modern city with efficient road and rail links, and first-class port and airport facilities. New highways opened up previously remote areas, the railway networks were expanded and Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok was opened in 1998.

Development of the economic base has let the government increase spending on education, social welfare, health and other needs, from $289 billion in 2009-10 to an estimated $607.8 billion in 2019-20.

The government has been providing 12 years of free primary and secondary education to all students attending public-sector schools since 2008. In the same year, full-time courses offered by the Vocational Training Council for Secondary 3 school leavers also became free. Post- secondary education remains heavily subsidised.

The scope and delivery of welfare services have become more integrated and accessible. In the past decade, total government spending on social welfare has more than doubled, from $40.4 billion in 2009-10 to an estimated $97.2 billion in 2019-20.

A healthcare system originally developed in the early post-war years to cope with the growing population has expanded greatly in line with the government's commitment to safeguard public health and to provide medical care and facilities for everyone. In 1990, the government set up the independent Hospital Authority and gave it responsibility for managing public hospitals and providing heavily subsidised public healthcare services, having regard to the principle that no person should be denied medical care due to lack of means. As at end-2019, the authority had 43 public hospitals and institutions, 49 specialist outpatient clinics and 73 general outpatient clinics under its management.

Comprehensive labour legislation is in place to protect employees' rights, benefits, and occupational safety and health. Job-seekers and employers have access to free employment and recruitment services. Established in 1992, the Employees Retraining Board now provides training and retraining courses and services to people aged at least 15 with sub-degree education or below, to help meet the demands of the changing labour market while providing additional manpower for various industries.

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