HKAPO Patient Roundtable
The HKAPI co-organized the Patient Roundtable with the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (HKAPO) on 11 December afternoon.
Around 80 patient leaders, patients and their families from more than 30 patient groups under the HKAPO joined the Roundtable. Mr Yuen Siu Lam, Chairman of the HKAPO delivered his welcome address, followed by Ms Sabrina Chan, Senior Executive Director of the HKAPI.
The Roundtable started with the briefing from the HA representatives on the application of the Samartian Fund and the Community Care Fund. Mr CHAN Hiu-fung Dexter, Social Work Officer (Allied Health / Medical Fee Assistance), Medical Fee Assistance Section, Hospital Authority, introduced the application procedures and key concerns during the application. Ms YIM Kin-yan Edith, Department Manager (Medical Social Services), Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals then explained with case studies to demonstrate the financial assessment mechanisms.
After the Q&A session, Dr Marcus Chiu from the City University of Hong Kong facilitated a roundtable discussion with Mr Wong from Hong Kong Ankylosing Spondylitis Association, Mr Benjamin Kwong, a veteran pharmacist, and Ms Sui Wong, a representative from the Affordability Task Force, HKAPI.
Mr Wong shared his experience in applying for the Samaritan Fund and the difficulties he faced during the application procedures. Mr Kwong and Ms Wong shared the policy of drug enlistment criteria of the Samaritan Fund and Community Care Fund. The speakers shared their views on how to improve the current drug subsidy system.
Ms Sabrina Chan hoped the discussion could serve as a platform for stakeholders to share their views on patient empowerment, which ultimately helps improve medical services in Hong Kong.
