Hong Kong is renowned for its healthcare system, which operates on a dual-track basis comprising both the public and private sectors that complement each other. The public healthcare sector, subsidised by the Government, provides affordable and appropriate services to meet the needs of citizens. However, the healthcare system is overwhelmed due to the increasing ageing population and the growing number of chronic disease patients, all while facing a shortage of healthcare manpower. Thus, society must seek other measures to address these issues and achieve the goal of a stable and sustainable healthcare system.

The public and private healthcare systems in Hong Kong have always operated in parallel, with each accounting for 50% of the doctor manpower. Currently, 70% of Hong Kong residents use private healthcare for routine consultations. However, due to the higher costs of private healthcare, only about 10% of patients opt for private healthcare for specialty services, and inpatient medical care. Despite the Government's ongoing promotion of the  Public-Private Partnership, to alleviate the pressure on the public healthcare sector, the results have been minimal. A large portion of Hong Kong’s population still relies on public healthcare services, leading to an imbalance between the public and private healthcare sectors.

As interaction between Mainland China and Hong Kong becomes more frequent, the healthcare systems are aligning. To expand the choice of  healthcare options for citizens, the HKSAR Government has launched various measures, including the "Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and the "Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme”. Additionally, multiple measures have been introduced within the “eHealth+” five-year plan to facilitate cross-border healthcare services, promote collaboration, and share resources with the Mainland to link healthcare services in the Greater Bay Area.

Following the resumption of normal travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the consumption options of Hong Kong citizens has expanded from dining and entertainment to doctor appointments and health screenings. According to data from the Public Hygiene and Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Shenzhen has provided healthcare services for 700,000 visitors from Hong Kong, indicating a rising demand for cross-border healthcare services among Hong Kong citizens.

However, cross-border healthcare services are still in the initial phase, given various differences in healthcare systems and compliance. Challenges such as the sharing of health records and information; language barriers between patients and healthcare professionals; issues related to compensation and liabilities for medical malpractice, hinder the development of cross-border healthcare services and raise concerns.

To address the increasing trend in cross-border healthcare services, it is crucial to further improve support measures to meet medical needs. This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the main factors that Hong Kong citizens consider when choosing medical services. It explores the experiences of Hong Kong residents with cross-border healthcare services, the factors that facilitate and hinder their access to such services, and their concerns. Ultimately this study provides viable recommendations for optimising cross-border medical care for people in Hong Kong.

In conducting this study, data was collected between November 2024 through an on-site survey of 600 young people (aged 18 to 74); case interviews with 18 individuals; and one-to-one interviews with 5 experts.

1. The Hong Kong healthcare system is being overwhelmed due to shortages of healthcare manpower. Changes in the structure of Hong Kong’s population have also led to increasing medical service needs. Cross-border healthcare services are able to relieve the strains on Hong Kong’s healthcare system by providing more options for citizens.

2. 30% of the respondents had visited the Mainland for cross-border healthcare services, indicating a rising demand for such services. Most of them chose to seek clinical services in Shenzhen. Dental services and health screenings have been the most commonly utilized by respondents in Mainland China. Some experts noted that some patients purchase medicine from the Mainland due to varying drug prices. Therefore, doctor appointments, health screenings, and purchasing medicine have become the medical services that Hong Kong citizens seek in the Mainland.

3. Cross-border healthcare has become one of the medical options for Hong Kong citizens due to enhanced healthcare services, lower costs, and shorter waiting times compared to those in Hong Kong.

4. Various issues limit the provision of cross-border healthcare services, including unfamiliarity with Mainland healthcare services, concerns about healthcare quality, differences in culture and language, and a lack of clear information.

5. Despite an increasing number of Hong Kong residents accessing cross-border healthcare services, some residents are concerned about these services. Differences in regulations and supervision, qualification registration, compensation and liabilities, acceptance of medical reports, and follow-up care require attention.

6. Although Hong Kong's healthcare system is trustworthy, the significant financial burden poses a current challenge. Therefore, it is essential to find measures to help build a stable and sustainable healthcare system.