Private doctors and hospitals are set to raise fees this year to cover increasing costs.
Doctors Union president Henry Yeung Chiu-fat said many privately owned clinics would increase fees by about 10 per cent on average in the next few months. He described the increase as 'minimal', saying it would not have much effect on patients. Dr Yeung said the increase should be 'forgiven' as the fees had remained unchanged for about a decade, mostly at HK$140 to HK$150 for a consultation and two days' medicine.
'We were told by our members that the rent of clinics in public housing estates surged by up to 160 per cent at the start of the month. Clinics in other areas also have to pay as much as double for rents.'
The cost of medicines had jumped about 10 per cent on average at the start of this month. Cough syrup had seen the highest percentage increase, to HK$800 for about 7.8 litres from HK$200 to HK$300 last year.
Staff at private clinics had also enjoyed a 5 per cent pay rise on average, further pushing up operating costs.
Dr Yeung said he expected the fee increases would have minimal effect on business as he believed most people had more purchasing power thanks to pay rises.