Thank you, President. Due to the low transparency in the surgical fees of private doctors and the fees charged by private hospitals, the fees paid by patients at discharge are often much higher than expected, leading to a corresponding substantial increase in medical insurance premiums. Therefore, I hope that the legislative work on price transparency in the private healthcare sector will commence as soon as possible.
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH (in Cantonese): Regarding price transparency in the private healthcare sector, we have completed a study and the consultant’s report is expected to be available for discussion with the industry shortly (i.e. this year). We hope that the relevant measures, including the enactment of legislation to improve price transparency in the private healthcare sector, can be introduced as early as possible.
With regard to IMACE, we have facilitated the seven healthcare institutions just mentioned to commence work. The first meeting is expected to take place in the next month or two. We hope that they will propose clinical guidelines and benchmark benefits one after the other as soon as possible. But this needs to be done in a gradual and orderly way. Thank you, President.