Health chief warns of funding problems

May 11, 2013

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man warns hospital services will be affected if the budget is not passed by Wednesday.
 
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said the Government is very concerned about the consequences of lawmakers' filibustering against the Appropriation Bill for the budget.
 
The Hospital Authority would need to use its own reserves to run its services, and purchase medicines or equipment if the bill could not be passed, he said.
 
“We understand this reserve could not maintain the services for a very long duration and there will be a rather serious impact on the operation of the authority and the provision of the much-needed hospital services to the public,” Dr Ko said.