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Some interviewees opined that the screening programme could foster the development
of family medicine and introduce Hong Kong citizens to the concept of
having a family doctor. Family doctors were thought to have a unique position in
initiating and following up on behavioural changes in patients. Yet, some stakeholders
pointed to potential barriers that could impact the effectiveness of the Scheme, such as
socioeconomic and psychological factors, as well as the population’s long-standing tendency
to consult specialists. Some opined that the healthcare vouchers alone would be
inadequate to alter the behaviours and health-seeking patterns of
Hong Kong citizens.

Stakeholders’ voices

Health-seeking behaviour does not change easily–besides doctors’
advice, there are a lot of factors influencing patients’ behaviour,
including their psychological status, social and financial considerations,
and the opinions of people around them.
Private service provider

If there is no financial support for the newly diagnosed
patients with hypertension or hyperlipidaemia, naturally they
will ask to be referred back to the public system.
Private service provider

The family doctor concept has been promoted for a long time.
Yet, the public does not buy into the concept and prefers doctor
shopping. More health screening programmes will encourage
public buy-in as patients will get used to having a family doctor to
take care of their health when they visit the same [family] doctor
for screening and chronic disease management.
Private service provider

People in Hong Kong are not satisfied with being looked after
by a generalist, whom they expected to be specialists.
Policymaker

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