Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today officiated at the opening ceremony of the Tuen Mun District Health Centre (DHC) and said the Government is committed to revamping the healthcare system and putting more resources into promoting primary healthcare, in a bid to improve citizens’ health and build a healthy Hong Kong.

Prof Lo explained that the goal of having all 18 districts in Hong Kong covered by DHCs was attained by the end of last year, while the Health Bureau also released the Primary Healthcare Blueprint last December that outlines development directions and strategies to strengthen the city’s primary healthcare system.

“To show the determination and commitment of the Government in pressing ahead the primary healthcare initiatives, we will reinforce the role of DHCs in co-ordinating primary healthcare services and managing cases in the community in stages, with a view to bringing changes to the overall healthcare strategy and developing a mindset of ‘prevention-oriented, early intervention’ across the community.”

Apart from working with the private healthcare sector in promoting the concept of “family doctor for all”, Prof Lo said the Government is launching the three-year Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme within this year.

“A cross-professional public-private partnership model will be adopted and targeted subsidies will be given, all co-ordinated by DHCs, to encourage members of the public to establish a long-term doctor-patient relationship with their family doctor, thereby enabling them to enjoy coherent and comprehensive healthcare services.

“This will also serve as an additional service option, apart from services patients with chronic diseases can get in the public healthcare system.”

Moreover, he appealed to the public to make good use of the services offered by DHCs in an effort to live a healthier and happier life.

The Tuen Mun DHC has a multidisciplinary team which comprises nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, social workers and supporting staff, and provides citizens with various government-subsidised primary healthcare services.

Through the application of innovative technology, users can receive effective chronic disease management and community rehabilitation services in the Smart Rehab Zone and Smart Fitness Zone there.

Citizens residing or working in Tuen Mun District are welcome to register as members of the DHC and enjoy its services.