The Health Bureau on Friday said it expects to spend about HK$1.4 billion to develop the electronic health record system, eHealth+, in the next five years.

The eHealth app was launched in 2016, and Chief Executive John Lee announced in last year's Policy Address that officials aim to upgrade the system and roll out eHealth+, to offer more comprehensive and personalised services for residents.

In a paper submitted to the legislature, the bureau said it plans to seek funding approval from the Legco Finance Committee in the first half of the year, so the project could begin in mid-2024.

Meanwhile, the authorities said they will revise the Electronic Health Record Sharing System Ordinance in order to streamline the mechanism and allow users to build a more comprehensive health record.

They said over 70 percent of users of the eHealth app had not authorised private healthcare providers to access their information or medical records, as the current sharing-consent system may be too complicated for users.

Amendments are expected to be introduced at the end of this year at the earliest.

The eHealth+ system is expected to feature services like online booking, online laboratory report, online medication and electronic medical certificate.