Stories from Hong Kong · Hong Kong

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.

A company spokesperson explained that employees are prohibited from intervening in theft incidents due to life-threatening risks. An employee named Smith intervened in a theft, violating company policy that prohibits such actions due to life-threatening risks.

The 22nd Civil Service Bureau Director's Commendation Scheme awarded 100 civil servants. The 100 civil servants awarded come from 39 bureaus and departments, covering 55 different job series.

The Dietrich Tigers baseball team lost to Hong Kong with a score of 3-4. Taiwanese player Li Haoyu played as the starting second baseman, batting 8th, and had no hits in two at-bats, causing his batting average to drop to 1.63.

Lam Ka-kam is considering applying to the City Planning Board in future projects to increase the total reserved area for building materials. Lin Jiaqi stated on a program that authorities are considering increasing the total building floor area in future projects, potentially raising the current 3.5% to 4% or more.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is promoting a "three-color anti-fraud" method to enhance financial security. All bank customers can now use a new anti-fraud method to protect themselves, similar to a safe deposit box, by setting a protected amount with their bank.

Competitions in Hong Kong have introduced electronic jump ropes that automatically record performance after transmission.

Authorities are working to combat the occupation of public resources, specifically targeting long-term vacant houses.

An entity is currently issuing new loans that are scoring over 9000 points. Hong Kong's border management stations recorded over 5.622 million entries and exits, a figure smaller than expected. The situation reflects a trend where visitors play in Hong Kong but return to Shenzhen to stay, impacting hotel occupancy rates and prices in Hong Kong's core and non-core areas. Domestic travelers are increasingly price-sensitive to accommodation, often targeting the 300-500 yuan/HKD range, but are willing to spend more on dining and experiences. The rapid increase in budget-friendly 3-4 star hotels in Hong Kong, offering rooms for 400-500 HKD, is also impacting the occupancy rates of higher-end hotels. Recent research indicates that domestic tourists are increasingly price-sensitive regarding accommodation, with Shenzhen B&Bs offering competitive rates between 300 and 500 yuan.

The Fire Protection Association has more than 20 projects currently in the planning or construction phase. The housing authority plans to gradually increase the proportion of for-sale units and will consider offering larger units in projects that are currently in early design stages or have not yet begun detailed design. Hong Kong authorities are considering increasing the proportion of for-sale units, especially larger ones, due to strong demand, particularly in Hong Kong Island. The Housing Authority is considering converting more rental units to for-sale units, particularly in eastern Hong Kong Island where demand for ownership is high and supply is limited. The construction cost for for-sale units is higher than for rental units, but ongoing rental projects, such as the Wong Tai Sin United Village site, will continue.