Hong Kong prides itself for the provision of safe and quality healthcare services to the public under a dual-track healthcare system. Our healthcare system is supported by a team of highly professional healthcare workers, and the public and private healthcare sectors together provide a full range of diversified services, including a low-cost public healthcare “safety net” that ensures no one in Hong Kong is denied medical care due to a lack of means, and quality private healthcare for those who can and are willing to pay for healthcare services with personalised choices.

In the public sector, the Hospital Authority places quality and safety as top priorities in its planning and provision of patient-centred services. For instance, it has established effective governance structure and systems to ensure high clinical standards. It has also established systems to collect patients’ feedback. Through extensive surveys and user discussion groups, the Hospital Authority engages the public in understanding their views to improve the quality of services.

Equally rigorous measures are in place to ensure service quality and safety of private healthcare facilities. We are undertaking a comprehensive review of the regulatory regime for private healthcare facilities, including private hospitals in Hong Kong. With feedback and support from patient groups and the community, we will ensure our regulatory regime is in line with the international best practices.

Public engagement and participation is a crucial part of the process through which we continue to improve and excel. Facing many public health challenges ahead, I look to the concerted efforts of all sectors to build up a safe and efficient healthcare infrastructure to protect the well-being of the general public.

HospitalAdvisor is an example of a Hong Kong social enterprise using technology for public good. This shows the growing trend in Hong Kong of social innovation and technology. I hope that patients across Hong Kong will support this initiative.