https://www.scmp.com/rss/503311/feed Dr Pamela Tin is the lead researcher in health care and ageing at Our Hong Kong Foundation. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com At the end of 2022, the government released the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, taking a decisive step in developing Hong Kong’s health system after years of challenges. Yet, a glaring healthcare gap remains; little attention has been paid to Hongkongers’ growing mental health needs. In particular, the fragmented nature of mental healthcare dilutes the government’s capacity to serve patients holistically. In line with the blueprint’s aim of integrating different elements of the health system and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3206987/hong-kongs-mental-healthcare-system-must-be-expanded-meet-residents-growing-needs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3206987/hong-kongs-mental-healthcare-system-must-be-expanded-meet-residents-growing-needs?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:45:12 +0000 In his inaugural speech, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu promised to start a new chapter for Hong Kong by strengthening governance and development of the city. In this new chapter, the administration must not forget old promises – including the pledge to strengthen Hong Kong’s primary healthcare system. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the resource and manpower limitations within our health system, particularly in the public sector. But these challenges are not new: long waiting times,... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3186041/covid-19-has-only-reinforced-need-better-healthcare-hong-kong-john?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3186041/covid-19-has-only-reinforced-need-better-healthcare-hong-kong-john?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jul 2022 22:30:17 +0000 Since the beginning of Hong Kong’s fifth Covid-19 wave, more than 1 million people have tested positive and over 8,000 lives have been lost. Among the many system failures exposed by the pandemic, residents’ mental well-being deserves urgent attention. A 2020 study by the University of Hong Kong show that the proportion of Hongkongers suffering from probable anxiety and depression is close to 14 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3173980/fifth-wave-offers-lessons-improving-hong-kongs-healthcare-system-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3173980/fifth-wave-offers-lessons-improving-hong-kongs-healthcare-system-we?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:24:30 +0000 Hongkongers are feeling the impact of the Omicron variant in every facet of life. From surging fresh grocery prices and long lines for Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, to overcrowded public hospitals amid heartbreaking scenes of patients camping outside to wait for medical attention, Covid-19’s latest disruption is undeniable. While the priority should be to win the city’s war on Covid-19, the needs of patients wait-listed for non-urgent services and of chronic disease patients requiring... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3168437/hong-kongs-overwhelmed-hospitals-show-urgent-gaps-primary-health?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3168437/hong-kongs-overwhelmed-hospitals-show-urgent-gaps-primary-health?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Feb 2022 23:30:21 +0000 The Kwai Chung Estate lockdown has been in the media spotlight, not only because of the large number of Covid-19 cases related to a cluster at the estate, but also because of residents’ complaints about lockdown and testing conditions: poor waste disposal, the lack of crowd control at testing stations and so on. As the authorities rush to address these grievances, we must remember that Band-Aid solutions are not enough. Instead, the policymaking process should be improved to involve thorough... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3165786/improve-hong-kongs-primary-health-care-get-hongkongers-involved?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3165786/improve-hong-kongs-primary-health-care-get-hongkongers-involved?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Feb 2022 00:15:23 +0000 As Hong Kong anticipates the announcement of a government blueprint for primary health care development, with public consultation set to open later this year, Baptist University has recently been appointed operator of the Chinese Medicine Hospital project, to be completed by 2025. What are the implications of this project on primary health care development in Hong Kong? Inpatient care in Chinese medicine is a new concept to many, and the new hospital aims to function rather differently from a... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3147218/how-chinese-medicine-hospital-can-strengthen-tcm-integration-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3147218/how-chinese-medicine-hospital-can-strengthen-tcm-integration-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Sep 2021 22:45:20 +0000 Following the initial reading of the Medical Registration Amendment Bill in the Legislative Council, public discussion of Hong Kong’s doctor shortage crisis has returned in full force. The bill’s arrival is not without cause. Latest government projections show Hong Kong faces a shortfall of 1,610 doctors by 2030, even after accounting for the yearly intake of newly graduated locals. Nonetheless, Hong Kong is not alone in its crisis. Singapore and Britain have also faced doctor shortages but both... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3136513/what-hong-kong-can-learn-singapore-and-britain-welcoming-overseas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3136513/what-hong-kong-can-learn-singapore-and-britain-welcoming-overseas?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jun 2021 22:45:00 +0000 As demand for health care in Hong Kong continues to rise, with challenges ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic to population ageing and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the city’s doctor shortage is becoming more acute. According to the most recent health care manpower projections released by the government, the shortage is worse than three years ago. While such a situation is not unique to Hong Kong, the city is unique in adopting relatively passive measures when it comes to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3131360/hong-kong-has-been-uniquely-unable-fix-its-doctor-shortage-why?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3131360/hong-kong-has-been-uniquely-unable-fix-its-doctor-shortage-why?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Apr 2021 01:15:07 +0000 Longevity is a blessing if there is quality of life and dignity. Hongkongers enjoy an average life expectancy of 85 years, the highest in the world according to the World Bank, better than in Japan and Sweden. But, with the proportion of chronic diseases rising by age group, how Hong Kong achieves active ageing and dignified death is particularly pertinent. The World Health Organisation defines palliative care as the relief from pain and the care and support of patients and their families facing... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3045082/hong-kongs-elderly-die-dignity-much-better-end-life-care-needed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3045082/hong-kongs-elderly-die-dignity-much-better-end-life-care-needed?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Jan 2020 05:00:09 +0000