Health chief rejects claim of 'robbing' people for schemes

The health chief has defended the health financing options released two months ago against a lawmaker's accusations that they are designed to rob people of their money.

Secretary for Food and Health York Chow Yat-ngok said the proposals were designed to treat the health system's ailments before they became more serious and told the legislator for the medical sector, Kwok Ka-ki, he had misinterpreted them. In a Legislative Council motion debate yesterday, Mr Kwok accused the government of endlessly increasing the burden on people wanting to obtain health care.

'Many of those who suffer from long-term sickness are actually jobless and have no income at all,' he said. 'How can they make a cash contribution? What is suggested by the government is an endless burden.'

Dr Chow said the proposals were aimed at giving the public a better understanding of the provision of services and financing options. 'It is wrong for Dr Kwok to suggest we are only robbing people of their money.'

The minister said there had to be a financing scheme to ensure support for health services in the long run.

'Our health-care system looks like a patient in the early stages of cancer who is refusing to take any treatment. The later we handle the problem, the more the situation will deteriorate.'