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If the reimbursement of disease management in the private sector is insufficient, some
screened patients may return to the public clinics for further treatment. There were therefore
concerns that screening may increase the number of patients visiting the
public sector for primary care-level management, rather than diverting towards
the private sector; this backflow of patients may worsen the healthcare burden within the
public sector. Related problems, such as resource duplication and “doctor shopping”
behaviour, may be re-introduced.

Stakeholders’ voices

Unfortunately, the maintenance of chronic diseases actually takes
a toll [on the public system] for citizens who are not able to afford
[care in private sector], as they would return to the public system
after screening.

Professional body representative

The supply of our public primary care services can never
satisfy the demand, so a significant portion of patients will
remain in GOPCs despite of the diversion of some to the
private sector. Thus, the number of consultations in GOPCs
will not be reduced greatly.
Public service provider

When the newly diagnosed diabetic, hypertensive
patients choose to go to the public system, they will
create a heavier burden for the GOPCs or Specialist
Out-patient Clinics (SOPCs).
Private service provider

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