Secretary for Food and Health York Chow stressed yesterday that the healthcare reform is not intended "to rip off members of the public".

Chow made the remark in a Legislative Council motion debate over the existing healthcare system.

Denying accusation by medical services sector legislator Kwok Ka-ki that the government is shifting all financial burden onto the public with its proposed medical financing options, Chow said Kwok has quoted him out of context and twisted the spirit of the proposal.

"The consultation paper has stated clearly the pros and cons of different financing options. They are not meant to rip people off," he said.

He noted that the society has been having a wide and active discussion on the healthcare reform since the first stage of its public consultation started in March.

The government has already received 800 responses so far.

"The mainstream opinion recognized that it is necessary to reform the healthcare system," he said.

The government will also conduct a questionnaire and organize a focus group to collect more in-depth opinions.

After studying all public opinions, the government will make preparations for the next stage of the consultation, Chow said.

He pointed out the main reform directions: to promote Public-Private-Partnership, increase "people first" primary healthcare and to reform the financing arrangement.

He said to support the healthcare reform, "we have to find a sustainable and stable source of money" apart from government funding.

He reiterated that the government has no established position on the financing arrangement and they are open to public opinions.

He compared Hong Kong's healthcare financing system as a patient in the early stage of cancer who is denied proper treatment.

"The longer we procrastinate, the harder it is for us to deal with the issue at a later stage," he warned.

(HK Edition 05/30/2008 page1)