Changes to medical benefits for civil servants have been put on hold because of the delays in overall heath-care reforms, according to a civil service union.
The Government had proposed a medical insurance scheme as part of the civil service reforms, but this was postponed pending further talks. Medical benefits for new recruits will not change for the time being.
Dr Leung Chi-chiu, chairman of the Senior Non-Expatriate Officers Association, said: 'The Government has to wait for the medical reforms to come out before it can decide the way ahead for civil servants.' The new insurance scheme would only cover serving officers. Unlike existing benefits, retired staff would not be covered. 'Moreover, the premium may not be enough to consult private doctors and they may have to turn to public hospitals,' Dr Leung said.
A spokesman for the Civil Service Bureau said more time was needed to work out the civil service medical scheme. She denied it was anything to do with the medical reforms.