(Hong Kong, February 2020)  In the light of the Hospital Authority’s (HA) adjustment of non-emergency services and non-essential services for better allocation of resources to combat the epidemic, the Hong Kong Baptist Hospital (HKBH) introduces Free Cataract Operation and Free Colposcopy Services for patients who are waiting for respective services at HA.  The Hospital hopes that the measures can alleviate HA’s burden and provide timely and essential treatment to patients in need.

The Hospital’s Eye Centre and O&G Centre render full support to the enhanced services.  The Free cataract operation package covers pre-operative examination, out-patient operation and 3 follow-up consultations.  As HA patients using the same services, successful applicants will only need to pay for the intraocular lens (IOL).  The Hospital will waive charges of the IOL for those who have financial difficulties.

Free colposcopy services spans pre-procedure consultation, colposcopy, biopsy, laboratory test and explanation of examination report by gynaecologist.  Those who get abnormal test results will receive a reference letter for further arrangement at HA.

There are 100 quota in total (Preliminarily, 50 quota for each of the services).  Eligible applicants, i.e. those with HA appointment letters can call the hotline of respective centers between 10:00am and 4:00pm before 20 February for registration.  The Hospital will prioritize and contact successful applicants within 2 weeks after the application deadline.   Medical evaluation by doctor are required for successful applicants of free cataract operation to decide if they are suitable for receiving the operation.

Dr. Alex Yu, Chief Executive of HKBH expressed that giving back to the society with its professional knowledge and expertise is the Hospital’s long-held tradition.  “We have been collaborating with different NGOs to provide different free services to the underprivileged.  Considered the impacts of the infectious disease on our health regime and the primary healthcare system, we introduced the free services to patients who are waiting for HA non-emergency services.  It is hoped that the measures could alleviate burden of our HA counterparts which in turn allow them to focus on the emergency and essential services, including the management of the epidemic and other urgent clinical services.

He further revealed that the Hospital is now studying feasibility of providing even more integrated and dynamic supports to the HA through different approaches.  “Together with HA colleagues and the Hong Kong citizen, we can face up to the challenge and combat the epidemic.” said Dr. Yu.

For enquiries and registration of the free services, please call 2339-5889（Free Cataract Operation）and 2339-7200 （Free Colposcopy Services）.