The Health Bureau has announced the soft launch of a new channel for the public to join the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CCDC) Pilot Scheme via direct enrolment at the clinics of some participating family doctors starting from today.

The bureau said the arrangement aims to encourage and make it more convenient for members of the public to initiate early health management so that they can be aware of having, or being at high risk of having, diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension (HT).

The new measure also encourages members of the public to maintain a long-term relationship with their family doctor.

Besides enrolling in the scheme at district health centres (DHCs), eligible Hong Kong residents aged 45 or above can also register at some participating clinics to pair with a family doctor for screening.

The CDCC pilot scheme has been well received since its rollout. As of March 21, various DHCs have assisted over 27,800 citizens to enrol in the scheme, with over half of these participants completing screening arranged by their family doctors.

Of those who have completed screening, some 36% were diagnosed with prediabetes, DM or HT. They received follow-up care and treatment from participating family doctors.

In searching the scheme’s dedicated website, citizens should look for the indication “Accept CDCC Pilot Scheme enrolment at clinic” next to doctors’ names.

They can contact the clinics of such doctors and arrange to pair with them for screening. The family doctor will assist the participant to register for membership of a DHC simultaneously.

Participants who are diagnosed with prediabetes, DM or HT will be taken care of by their family doctor long-term under government subsidy.

They will not be required to pay any additional drug fees if they are prescribed drugs under the basic tier of the scheme’s drug list.

Participants who are not diagnosed with DM or HT after screening will be aided by a DHC or DHC Express to set health management goals.

Arrangements will also be made as are deemed necessary for them to undertake activities that help them to stay in shape and are commensurate with a healthier lifestyle.

So far, 96 out of around 510 family doctors joining the scheme can offer direct matching services at their clinics, via 126 service points. Click here or call the hotline 2157 0500 for more details.