How Hong Kong’s pilot chronic disease scheme can help save HK$2.7 billion in expenses

An ongoing pilot scheme for chronic disease screening could help save HK$2.7 billion (US$344 million) in medical expenses if 200,000 people join, Hong Kong authorities have said, with hepatitis B set to be included later.

The Health Bureau said on Tuesday that the project would turn into a co-care “platform” and cover more diseases after the end of the three-year pilot arrangement. The Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme was launched in November 2023.

According to a paper submitted by the bureau to the Legislative Council, nearly 60 per cent of about 131,200 participants had undergone screening for diabetes, high blood pressure or high blood lipids.

About 31,100, or 40 per cent, were diagnosed and referred for medical follow-up.

“Preliminary analysis shows that the scheme has an important value in improving resource allocation and reducing the burden of the healthcare system,” the bureau said, citing findings of a government-commissioned university study on the scheme.

The scheme provides subsidised screening for the three diseases to people aged 45 or above through participating family doctors. If participants are diagnosed with any of those conditions, they will proceed to receive subsidised treatment and any necessary laboratory tests.