A committee to study changes to the healthcare system to make it more sustainable will be set up next month, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says, adding the question of healthcare financing has to be settled as early as possible.

Dr Chow told ATV's Newsline today that due to longer life expectancies and the higher cost arising from new equipment, medical expenses will escalate making it an urgent need for Hong Kong to build a sustainable healthcare system.

He said proposed changes to the existing system include promoting a "family doctor" system so practitioners can be familiar with patients' records, providing healthcare that specifically caters to different districts, and letting the private sector play a larger role in providing medical services.

On healthcare financing, Dr Chow said the committee will study whether it will be sourced by users, medical savings or public funding, adding he will chair the committee to show his determination to tackle the matter.

He also warned that avian flu could strike Hong Kong again and another outbreak would be more serious than the previous one. He said as there is a possibility that avian flu can be transformed into human form, people should be extra cautious.

The health authority is drawing up a contingency plan to deal with this potential emergency and publicity will be launched later this year to raise awareness.

On welfare issues, Dr Chow said he would focus on helping people in the lowest stratum to meet their basic needs and to overcome adversity.

He added children of the under-privileged families, single parents, severely disabled people and elderlies living in poor conditions are regarded as the most needy people in the community.