Cancer Charity Expands Cross-Border Drug Subsidy to 60 Patients
AM730 · 4 SOURCES1 day ago6 MIN
Summary
The Cancer Information Network Charity Fund (癌症資訊網慈善基金) has launched the «Hong Kong Patient Cancer Drug Subsidy Scheme 2.0» (港區病人癌症藥物資助計劃2.0), funded by the Kerry Group Kuok Foundation (嘉里集團郭氏基金會) and the Chow Tai Fook Medical Fund (周大福醫療基金). The programme increases its quota by 10 to 60 beneficiaries and expands designated mainland medical institutions from 2 to 4 .
The scheme provides monthly subsidies of up to HK$5,400, with no restrictions on the types or quantities of targeted drugs covered . Data from the pilot phase launched in September 2024 shows that 96% of the 53 beneficiaries were stage 3-4 late-stage patients, with over 76% from the non-Comprehensive Social Security Assistance «sandwich class» .
Cancer Information Network Charity Fund founder Ng Wai-lun (吳偉麟) stated that while new cancer drugs exist, costs typically range from HK$30,000 to HK$50,000 monthly, with some immunotherapy courses exceeding HK$2 million for six months—unaffordable even for middle-class families . The same medications can cost 6 to 10 times more in Hong Kong than in mainland China .
Key Points
- The 2.0 scheme increases quota to 60 beneficiaries with monthly subsidies capped at HK$5,400, removing previous restrictions on drug types and quantities
- The pilot scheme in September 2024 helped 53 patients, with 96% being stage 3-4 late-stage patients and 76% from non-CSSA «sandwich class» families
- Ms. Chung, a 60-year-old lung cancer patient whose drug costs dropped from HK$39,000 to HK$16,000 monthly with the subsidy, said she would prefer local treatment if possible
- Designated mainland medical institutions expanded from 2 to 4, with volunteer escort services provided to assist patients with translation and transportation
- Hong Kong records over 37,000 new cancer cases annually, with the HA drug formulary covering 169 cancer drugs, many still requiring self-payment
Why It Matters
This scheme exposes the stark reality that identical cancer medications cost up to 10 times more in Hong Kong than across the border, forcing patients into difficult cross-border arrangements simply to survive financially. With the majority of beneficiaries being working and middle-class families not covered by government assistance, the programme fills a critical gap in the healthcare safety net while highlighting the urgent need for the Government to negotiate better drug pricing and expand subsidy schemes .
This scheme exposes the stark reality that identical cancer medications cost up to 10 times more in Hong Kong than across the border, forcing patients into difficult cross-border arrangements simply to survive financially. With the majority of beneficiaries being working and middle-class families not covered by government assistance, the programme fills a critical gap in the healthcare safety net while highlighting the urgent need for the Government to negotiate better drug pricing and expand subsidy schemes .