Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said on Saturday he was hopeful that fee adjustments in place since January 1 would continue to relieve pressure at public hospitals during the incoming winter flu season.

The standard accident and emergency (A&E) charge now stands at HK$400, up from HK$120, while patients triaged as critical or emergency cases will not have to pay anything.

Speaking on a TV programme, Lo said the number of semi-urgent and non-urgent patients was down about 24 percent in the first 10 days of 2026 compared to a year ago.

"In the past, it is usually category four and five patients, those non-urgent ones, that cause congestion at A&E departments and a not that satisfactory environment, which may also lead to problems regarding medical quality and safety," he said.

"We see that the fee adjustments played a guiding role in having such patients weighing their options and find alternatives to the hospital A&E.

"We expect such an effect to also take place during the flu season to reduce stress at public hospitals," Lo said.