The Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau says he hopes some people can find alternatives to accident and emergency wards at public hospitals at all times when new fees take effect.

From next year, non-critical and non-emergency patients - or those who are classified as category three to five patients - will have to pay HK$400 when they visit A&E, up from the current flat rate of HK$180.

Authorities hope higher fees for non-critical and non-emergency patients will deter them, so urgent cases can receive prompt care.

Lo said some patients abused A&E services, such as heading there to get a sick leave certificate.

"Apart from the low charges, A&E are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a-year. It's very convenient, and people don't need to make a booking in advance. You only need to go straight to the wards, which is very convenient. This is necessary for those who are critically ill or need resuscitation," he told a Commercial Radio show.

"I said a small group of people abused the system, but some people really misused it... I believe the public need to change this mindset."

Lo pointed out that if A&E doctors - who were specially trained to save critically ill patients - had to take care of patients with mild illnesses, that would be a waste of resources.

Patients with minor problems should head to their family doctors instead, the health chief said.

Lo also told an RTHK radio programme that almost half of the semi- and non-urgent - or category four and five patients - showed up at A&E between 8am and 4pm.

During this period, there are definitely other choices than A&E, he said.

Lo emphasised that the revamp was not aimed at helping the government tackle its budget deficit.

We are only aiming to better safeguard patients and reduce wastage, he added.