John Lee Pledges Stronger Elderly Support in Sham Shui Po
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visited Sham Shui Po on August 26, meeting residents at Un Chau Estate and inspecting elderly services at a day medical centre and the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Centre for the Elderly in the estate. He said Hong Kong is actively responding to population ageing through stronger community support, healthcare, rehabilitation and technology measures, while a policy report on an ageing society is due later this year.
Key Points
- Lee visited Un Chau Estate with Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, ahead of the next Policy Address and five-year planning work.
- During the district visit, Lee spoke with elderly residents, discussed transport and medical access, and promoted the primary healthcare community network
- He cited one resident's post-pneumonia follow-up at a day medical centre, saying shorter waits and a comfortable setting eased family caregiving pressure
- Lee said the government will uphold the policy of ageing in place, with residential care as backup, through medical, rehabilitation, community and technology support
- He said last year's Policy Address added 4,000 community care service vouchers for the elderly, bringing the total to 16,000, and created three new neighbourhood elderly centres.
Why It Matters
The visit sets up elderly care and ageing policy as a key issue before the next Policy Address, especially as Hong Kong faces a growing elderly population. Residents' feedback on medical access, activity costs and community support may shape how the government adjusts frontline services and support for carers.