Central-Western District Health Centre Opens, Expanding Hong Kong's Primary Care Network
RTHK · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Central and Western District Health Centre officially opened on Friday, marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong's push to strengthen primary healthcare services. The facility, operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, joins a network of over 100 service points across 18 districts serving approximately 600,000 members. Health officials aim to increase primary care spending from the current 30 percent to 35-40 percent of total healthcare expenditure to address the growing burden of chronic diseases.
Key Points
- The Central and Western District Health Centre, located on Des Voeux Road Central in Sheung Wan, began operations in September last year
- The centre features consultation rooms, interactive fitness training rooms, rehabilitation facilities, smart equipment, and a fitness system
- A multidisciplinary team comprising nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists delivers government-subsidised primary care services
- Hong Kong currently operates 10 District Health Centres and 8 District Health Express stations with over 100 combined service points
- The Chronic Disease Co-Care Programme has enrolled approximately 260,000 residents since its launch
- The Hepatitis B Co-Care Programme, launched in February, has arranged free rapid testing for about 50,000 residents
- As of June, the 18 district-based centres and express stations have accumulated approximately 600,000 members
- Primary care expenditure currently exceeds 30 percent of total recurrent healthcare spending, with a long-term target of 35-40 percent
Why It Matters
The expansion of Hong Kong's primary care network comes as the city faces a rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. By shifting resources from hospital-based treatment to community-based prevention and management, the government aims to create a more sustainable healthcare system while reducing pressure on public hospitals .
The expansion of Hong Kong's primary care network comes as the city faces a rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. By shifting resources from hospital-based treatment to community-based prevention and management, the government aims to create a more sustainable healthcare system while reducing pressure on public hospitals .