Medical Service
There are public and private medical services available in Hong Kong. The standard is excellent but expensive especially for those available in private hospital and specialists. Communication in English with doctors and nurses should be no problem in both hospitals and clinics.
Outpatient Services at Hospitals
For outpatient services, undoubtedly public hospitals are cheaper but it usually takes you hours to wait. Although private hospitals are more expensive than public ones, they could also be crowded sometimes if it is located nearby a residential area. However, the conditions in private hospitals are more satisfactory. The waiting area is usually more spacious and also the staff are nicer and more attentive. Morning and afternoon appointments are available. Some hospitals have evening appointments as well.
Clinics
Aside from hospitals, you may consider going to one of the clinics run by private practitioners. In residential areas, they can be easily found on the street, inside shopping malls or even at some residential-cum-commercial buildings. In commercial areas, they are usually specialists concentrated in a certain commercial building. The price of private practitioners varies in different district and is normally around HK$200 including medicine for 3 days. Their office hours are normally from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Some clinics have a few practitioners on duty at different shifts round the clock.
Pharmacies
For minor sickness, you can buy medicine in pharmacies or convenience stores. For chain stores like Watsons and Manning’s that sell everyday health care products, some also have pharmacists stationed at the shop. They can be found in almost all districts in Hong Kong.
Emergency
In the case of an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance and you will be taken to the nearest government run public hospital.
Tips:
1) Look up medical services on the Yellow Pages and call the clinic to make a booking.
2) Most hospitals and clinics accept cash only.
3) Since the outbreak of SARS in 2004 and avian flu in recent years, patients are more alert while visiting hospitals and clinics. It is a responsible act and also a preventive measure to wear a surgical mask during your visit.
Outpatient Services at Hospitals
For outpatient services, undoubtedly public hospitals are cheaper but it usually takes you hours to wait. Although private hospitals are more expensive than public ones, they could also be crowded sometimes if it is located nearby a residential area. However, the conditions in private hospitals are more satisfactory. The waiting area is usually more spacious and also the staff are nicer and more attentive. Morning and afternoon appointments are available. Some hospitals have evening appointments as well.
Clinics
Aside from hospitals, you may consider going to one of the clinics run by private practitioners. In residential areas, they can be easily found on the street, inside shopping malls or even at some residential-cum-commercial buildings. In commercial areas, they are usually specialists concentrated in a certain commercial building. The price of private practitioners varies in different district and is normally around HK$200 including medicine for 3 days. Their office hours are normally from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Some clinics have a few practitioners on duty at different shifts round the clock.
Pharmacies
For minor sickness, you can buy medicine in pharmacies or convenience stores. For chain stores like Watsons and Manning’s that sell everyday health care products, some also have pharmacists stationed at the shop. They can be found in almost all districts in Hong Kong.
Emergency
In the case of an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance and you will be taken to the nearest government run public hospital.
Tips:
1) Look up medical services on the Yellow Pages and call the clinic to make a booking.
2) Most hospitals and clinics accept cash only.
3) Since the outbreak of SARS in 2004 and avian flu in recent years, patients are more alert while visiting hospitals and clinics. It is a responsible act and also a preventive measure to wear a surgical mask during your visit.
