Primary healthcare services for the elderly will be further enhanced starting October 5, providing more comprehensive care under a new service model as Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) under the Department of Health (DH) are gradually integrated into the district health network, the department's Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) announced today.

Under the first phase, nine EHCs—located in North District, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Wu Hong, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Shing, San Po Kong, Yau Ma Tei, Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen—will be integrated. Integration of the remaining nine EHCs will be completed within 2027-28.

Once fully integrated, service points will expand from 18 to more than 100, encompassing District Health Centres and Expresses (DHCs) across all 18 districts, alongside designated Hospital Authority (HA) Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs). Overall annual capacity will double from the current 54,000 to over 120,000 elderly individuals.

Seniors with existing follow-up appointments or examinations at the first-phase EHCs can attend as scheduled. From October 5, DHCs will coordinate subsequent follow-up care.

By registering as DHC members for free, elderly patients can enter the treatment phase of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme after assessment and select a community family doctor for follow-up care. Those currently receiving care at both an EHC under the DH and an FMC under the HA will continue their follow-up care at the FMC.

The DH will continue serving members with existing health assessment appointments at EHCs. Starting in December, elderly individuals on the waiting list or interested in EHC services will be served at DHCs under a new, more comprehensive health assessment framework rolled out by the PHC Commission.

Assessment domains will be broadened beyond cognition, mobility and vision to include nutrition, hearing, psychological capacity and urinary health. Healthcare professionals will formulate tailored management plans based on the results, with details to be announced later.

In addition, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients, Old Age Living Allowance recipients aged 75 or above, and valid medical fee waiver holders will be arranged to receive preventive health services and assessments at designated HA FMCs upon DHC registration. Relevant fees will be fully or partially waived depending on eligibility.

The Government will gradually issue letters to EHC members in the coming weeks with details on the service integration and follow-up arrangements.