Spotlight on waiving of fees

The medical fee-waiver system, meant to ensure no one is denied adequate medical care for lack of funds, is being investigated by the ombudsman. Alice Tai Yuen-ying said that as 1.1 million cases benefited from the waiver, with $527 million in medical fees waived, there should be an effective monitoring system and 'vigorous scrutiny' to deter possible abuse and ensure the appropriate use of funds.

The investigation will look at the roles of the Hospital Authority and the Social Welfare Department, the mechanism for detecting, deterring and preventing abuse and its adequacy and effectiveness. No abuse has yet been detected by either body. Both bodies welcomed the investigation and promised full co-operation.