Hong Kong's public hospital A&E pricing changes, launched January 1, have further reduced visits, with semi-urgent and non-urgent cases down 24% in the first 10 days versus last year—building on an initial 12% overall decline in the first week. Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau highlighted the reform's success in guiding mild cases to alternatives, while 60,000 fee waivers were approved, 80% same-day.
Updating initial reports of an 11.9% drop in A&E visits during the first week, total attendances fell nearly 12% in the first 10 days under the new regime, with semi-urgent and non-urgent cases plunging 24%—described by Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau as a "fairly high" figure.
In a television interview, Lo noted that patients with mild conditions like colds, dizziness, and minor wounds are now opting for general outpatient clinics or private care. "The fee reform has brought about a guiding role," he said. "Once patients assess the situation, they will not need to go to A&E and can find alternatives."
The reform waives fees for critical/emergency cases while charging HK$400 for less urgent ones (up from HK$180). It also expanded eligibility, adding 1.1 million to the 300,000 previously qualifying. To date, 60,000 waivers have been approved, 80% on the application day, aiding resource optimization amid ongoing healthcare pressures.