Primary Care Authority Integrates Elderly Health Centers from October, Service Points to Double
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Primary Healthcare Commission announced on September 18 that starting October 5, it will progressively integrate Elderly Health Centres under the Department of Health into the District Health Network. Service points will expand from 18 to over 100 across all 18 districts, with annual service capacity doubling from 54,000 to more than 120,000 elderly patients. The first phase will cover 9 centres while the remaining 9 are scheduled for completion by 2027-28.
Key Points
- Starting October 5, Elderly Health Centres under the Department of Health will be progressively integrated into the District Health Network
- Service points will increase from 18 to over 100, covering District Health Centres across all 18 districts and Hospital Authority designated family medicine clinics
- Annual service capacity will double from approximately 54,000 to over 120,000 elderly patients
- First-phase integration covers 9 centres: North District, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Wu Hong, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Shing, Yau Ma Tei, San Po Kong, Shau Kei Wan, and Aberdeen
- Remaining 9 centres to complete integration by 2027-28 fiscal year
- Elderly can register free as District Health Centre members and directly enter the Chronic Disease Co-Management Programme treatment phase
- Health assessments expanded from cognitive, mobility, and vision to include nutrition, hearing, psychological, and urinary issues
- Subsidized groups including CSSA recipients, elderly aged 75+ receiving Old Age Living Allowance, and those with Medical Fee Waiver Certificates will receive full or partial fee exemption
Why It Matters
This integration represents a significant restructuring of Hong Kong's primary healthcare system for the elderly, shifting from a centralized model to a community-based network that enhances accessibility. With the expanded service scope and eligibility for subsidized groups, more elderly residents will receive preventive care and chronic disease management closer to home .
This integration represents a significant restructuring of Hong Kong's primary healthcare system for the elderly, shifting from a centralized model to a community-based network that enhances accessibility. With the expanded service scope and eligibility for subsidized groups, more elderly residents will receive preventive care and chronic disease management closer to home .