The Department of Health has implemented the "preliminary registration" arrangement at four dental clinics from yesterday (5th), and eligible citizens can make preliminary registration from 12 midnight on the day when the clinic provides services, and must return to the clinic at the original appointment time in the morning for formal collection. And formal registration, skip the all-night queue.
Lin Zhexuan, a member of the Legislative Council of the medical and health sector, described the new measures as "better than nothing". It is not ideal for the elderly to visit the dental clinic all the time.
He also suggested that the government could purchase services in the private market for the public in need, such as the introduction of dental care vouchers.
Another Member, Leung Man-kwong, welcomed the new measures, believing that there are currently insufficient dental places, and suggested funding NGOs to set up mobile dental carts.
The Department of Health will implement the "preliminary registration" arrangement at a total of 4 dental clinics in Kennedy Town, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun Yan Oi and Yuen Long starting from next Monday (5th) (file photo)
Lin Zhexuan said on the Hong Kong TV program today that the new measures make the elderly have to go to the dental clinic again, which is not ideal.
He believes that the problem reflects the fragmentation of public dental care and the lack of resources: "It is the consequence of the government's neglect of public dental care in the past 10 years. We must invest more resources." He also pointed out that the Community Care Fund only covers dental problems. Emphasizing the importance of preventive treatment, it is recommended that the government purchase services in the private market for citizens in need, such as the introduction of dental care vouchers.
The "Preliminary Registration" arrangement will be extended to Kowloon City Dental Clinic on 15 September.
(file picture)
Liang Wenguang pointed out in the same program that he welcomes the new measures, but thinks that he may just advance the queue time to the evening and ask the government to continue to improve and increase the number of dental clinics, such as providing more methods for the public to pre-register.
Was asked if the registration time could be earlier from 12am to evening?
He pointed out that he didn't get off work until 7 to 8 pm because of the elderly or cleaning and other jobs from time to time: "It's too early to schedule services."
Liang Wenguang also emphasized that the main reason for the queuing situation is the lack of places: "There are NGOs providing oral treatment, and there are five places but more than 10 mothers-in-law lined up." He said that the authorities had replied to him that the public medical system was unable to absorb more patients. There are many dentists, so it is impossible to expand public dental services.
He bluntly expressed his disappointment at what the authorities said, and suggested that NGOs should be allocated funds to set up mobile dental carts, and consideration should be given to improving the treatment of dentists in public healthcare.
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