Review of A&E charges could prevent misuse: CE
Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that a review of fees for the hospitals' emergency services could prevent abuse.  He was asked about the issue after Financial Secretary Paul Chan suggested that fees for public services should be increased to help plug the government's deficit.  Speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, the CE said the review of service charges would prioritise the needs of the underprivileged and consider the impact on different groups. "In the past, people who did not need accident and emergency services used them... Our review will focus on preventing the misuse of A&E services to ensure that people with urgent needs receive appropriate care," he said.  The current fee for attending accident and emergency services at public hospitals in the city has remained unchanged at HK$180 since 2017.  In response to a proposal for a "departure tax" on permanent residents travelling out of Hong Kong, Lee said the administration was carefully considering various suggestions to tackle the deficit during the budget consultation period.