The Hospital Authority (HA) today urged citizens with financial difficulties to avoid misusing Accident & Emergency Departments or Family Medicine Clinics to apply for medical fee waivers.

It stressed that individuals with financial difficulties do not need to rush to apply for medical fee waivers, and should not make unnecessary appointments solely for the purpose of obtaining such waivers.

In response to a media report, citing a community service organisation, that a citizen who did not have a follow-up appointment at a public hospital was unable to apply for medical fee waivers, the HA clarified that it proactively assists eligible individuals in securing waivers before accessing public healthcare services.

The HA is now accepting applications for medical fee waivers from patients with scheduled appointments within two months. Individuals with scheduled appointments beyond two months, or without any appointments, do not need to apply at this stage.

The HA emphasised that it has repeatedly explained the arrangements to the media and relevant organisations recently, and it deeply regrets that the messages have not been fully understood. It also called on all sectors to work together in supporting vulnerable groups in the community.

Additionally, the HA pointed out that the case cited in the news report demonstrated that when individuals have financial difficulties and require public healthcare services, they can obtain approval for medical fee waivers on the same day, even for next-day clinic appointments.

The application process is neither complicated nor difficult, it added.

The HA urges the public to use public resources wisely. Individuals should only apply for medical fee waivers when they have genuine medical needs and have confirmed appointments with public healthcare services.