Samaritan Fund to benefit more patients

February 03, 2012

Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow today said the Government plans to inject $10 billion into the Samaritan Fund, benefitting another 2,300 people.
 
The fund assists patients in need by providing full or partial subsidies for self-financed drugs and medical items required in the course of medical treatment. 
 
Speaking to the media after attending a radio programme today, Dr Chow said the Government may add some drugs and medical equipment to the list of items the fund currently covers.
 
He said the funding would provide adequate provision for its operation over the next 10  years, and would be closely monitored.
 
In reply to a query on Hong Kong's medical expenditure, Dr Chow said Hong Kong’s healthcare service expense was 5% of gross domestic product, half from the public sector, and half from the private sector.
 
"The most important principle is to ensure that our medical and healthcare system can be sustainable and be able to cater for a majority of the essential needs of Hong Kong people," he said.