Doctors have welcomed the pilot subsidizing program launched by the government for patients with high blood pressure and diabetes, which they say offers patients more medical choices, better medical services and treatment.

The Shared Care Program launched by the government is a three-year pilot project that allows chronic disease patients in Tai Po and Sha Tin currently enrolled in the public healthcare system to opt for more flexible and comprehensive care from private doctors.

"Patients (participating in the program) don't need to endure a long waiting period to receive an appointment time with a doctor. Additionally, once they do receive a consultation date, they will not have to spend an extensive period waiting at the actual clinic," says Chiu Sik-ho, chairman of the Hong Kong Medical Association Tai Po Community Network. "This system will help patients and doctors build a trust-based relationship, which is essential for efficient treatment, given that it will allow doctors to better understand their patients and thus provide individualized care," Chiu added.

The pilot program primarily targets patients who are currently receiving care for diabetes mellitus and hypertension at public specialist outpatient clinics under the Hospital Authority (HA) for at least two years. They will receive a subsidy of HK$1,200 each year to visit doctors in Tai Po and Sha Tin for consultations and treatment.

"The people who cannot afford to use the services of private doctors will benefit from the program," said Tse Hung-hing, chairman of the Hong Kong Medical Association. "Their queuing time for healthcare services will be greatly shortened," Tse added.

Some legislators, on the other hand, are conservative about the benefit of the program and think that the subsidy amount is low and not attractive to patients.

Yeung Siu-ying, a housewife who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2003, will consider joining the program, depending on the number of doctors listed as available to patients. Currently, under her public healthcare plan, Yeung spends about HK$100 each time she goes to a consultation and purchases related medicines. She has calculated that if she joins the program, she may end up having to pay an additional HK$300 for each visit.

Despite the possible increase in cost, Yeung says, "I can still afford it if I need to pay HK$300 more each time, because it can really save my time waiting in public hospitals, which can sometimes take an entire day! With more time to do my chores I am a better housewife. I know that those who work outside the home have to apply for leave to go see the doctor."

The government is now sending invitation letters to qualified patients. They plan to launch the program in June 2010. The government says it might also extend the program to other districts later this year following evaluation.

(HK Edition 03/09/2010 page1)