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(Hong Kong, 19 August 2018) Through its vast network of 43 public hospitals and institutions, 48 specialist out-patient clinics and 73 general out-patient clinics, the Hospital Authority (HA) manages and provides a comprehensive range of public hospital services for the citizens in Hong Kong.
In 2017/2018, the HA specialist out-patient clinics served nearly eight million patients.
Despite increases in funding, prioritisation processes constraint the fast and broad inclusion of certain effective diagnostic and treatments, rendering such options available only if self-financed.
Serving who?
At present, medical expenses of patients eligible for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme, the Community Care Fund and the Samaritan Fund are well covered. Yet, many households marginally outside this safety net will likely be cycled out of their financial stability when a family member faces escalating medical bills currently not covered by the HA. Witnessing the tremendous emotional and financial stress for these families, many healthcare professionals are empathetic but unable to help patients caught in such hapless situation.
Through a revolving funding arrangement with the HA, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Mr Li initiated "Love Can Help" programme to offer financial assistance to patients who fall outside of Government subsidy programmes, "like a friend to someone in need."
Doing What?
"Love Can Help" is designed to be a criteria-free, no means test programme serving patients who are not eligible for CSSA or Medical Assistance Programmes under the Community Care Fund and the Samaritan Fund. The Foundation and the HA will further work out funding methodologies.
The HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine will focus on patients suffering from chronic illness, cancer, autoimmune disease and patients on rehabilitation.
The focus will be on over 260 patients in urgent need of assistance, such as patients suffering from:
CUHK proposed two major projects on novel therapeutic drugs and devices for over 260 cancer patients and patients suffering from autoimmune disease.
When Does It Start?
"Love Can Help" is a HK$100 million pilot programme that is slated to begin operating in early 2019.
How Long Will the Programme Last?
Upon successful execution of the initiate year trial, we plan for it to be included in the Foundation's budget for longer-term projects.
In 2013, the Li Ka Shing Foundation and the CK Group made a joint contribution of HK$500 million to the Community Care Fund. While CCF already offers assistance to people with financial difficulties, the Foundation hopes that "Love Can Help" can cast a wider safety net for those outside the CCF coverage.
About the Li Ka Shing Foundation
Established in 1980, the Li Ka Shing Foundation (LKSF) has invested over HK$20 billion to work on education, medical services and research initiatives globally, with about 80% of the projects within the Greater China region. In 2006, Mr. Li described his philanthropic effort as akin to having another son in the family. He called for a paradigm shift in our Asian culture of giving, through apportioning more of our wealth and means towards social capital so that we could bring forth great hope and promises for the future.
For more information, please visit: http://www.lksf.org.
For inquiries, please contact:
Li Ka Shing Foundation | Hospital Authority |
Jeremy Lau | News Duty Officer |
Tel: (852) 2128 1207 | Tel: (852) 7328 3855 |
Fax: (852) 2128 1766 | Email: newsdo@ha.org.hk |
Email: Jeremy.lau@lksf.org | |
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong | Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
Natalie Leung | Emmy Lee |
Tel: (852) 3917 9306 | Tel: (852) 3505 3799 |
Fax: (852) 2974 0678 | Fax: (852) 2649 0208 |
Email: npmleung@hku.hk | Email: emmylee@cuhk.edu.hk |
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