The Secretary for Health dismissed claims that the government's financial difficulties were the reason for the proposed increase in fees for emergency services at public hospitals.

Speaking to reporters after attending a radio programme on Saturday, Lo Chung-mau noted the fees have remained unchanged at HK$180 since 2017, emphasising the need for a review.

He explained that the low price isn’t effective in tackling the strain on emergency services, citing that currently 60 percent of patients attending accident and emergency services at public hospitals are classified as semi-urgent or non-urgent.

But Lo went on to say that some grassroots residents will be exempted.

“Under our public health system, there has always been a system in place to take care of disadvantaged groups. There are three groups of people who will be exempted, including those under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme, elderly people aged 75 or above receiving Old Age Living Allowance, and those receiving residential care service vouchers. In addition, some eligible low income families can apply for fee reduction as well,” he said.

The health minister addressed whether this arrangement could put pressure on the triage nurses.

“Medical personnel have a standard protocol in place, and all individuals responsible for triage have received training. They evaluate patients based on certain criteria such as the patient's clinical indicators and symptoms,” he said.

Lo added that authorities will be on alert for the first peak winter flu season since the mask mandate was scrapped.

He said the Hospital Authority will enhance services at its general outpatient clinics during the Lunar New Year period, urging citizens not to panic.