HA Chief Pharmacist Cites Middle-Class Asset Test Concerns For New Drugs

The Hospital Authority has added 11 new drugs to its list, with 8 receiving high subsidies. Chief Pharmacist Cui Junming noted that one self-funded drug, which previously cost patients 500,000 annually, will now cost only 240 yuan per year after being converted to a special drug. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority's Chief Executive Manager, Pan Yihong, stated that no patient would be denied appropriate treatment due to financial reasons. The Hospital Authority is converting more self-financed drugs into special drugs to significantly reduce prices. The Hospital Authority noted that some patients, particularly those in the middle-class, might pass the immovable asset review, which is a factor in determining eligibility for medical fee waivers. More self-funded drugs are being changed to special drugs, which is expected to significantly reduce prices. Hospital Authority pharmacist Yau Chun-ming noted that some patients, particularly middle-class individuals, might pass the non-movable asset review for these subsidies. Hong Kong recorded approximately 1.19 million visitors, an 8% year-on-year increase. Election Committee member Ip Po-lam stated that Hong Kong's overall market atmosphere and consumption show vitality, with hotel occupancy reaching 90%. Mainland visitors accounted for approximately 1.01 million of the 1.19 million total visitors, marking a 10% year-on-year increase. Total visitor numbers reached approximately 1.19 million, an 8% year-on-year increase. The Hospital Authority (HA) is proposing to include 11 new drugs in the drug formulary, some with high subsidies.