hairman of the Hospital Authority, Mr Anthony Wu, welcomed the increase in the recurrent budget allocation to the HA for the third consecutive year. Following the release of the Budget Speech in February, Mr Wu remarked that the continuous increase in funding reflects the Government's commitment to providing quality heath care services to the community.

An additional recurrent funding of $2.6 billion will be allocated to the Hospital Authority to meet new and increasing demand, while healthcare service reforms initiatives will also be put in place.

Mental health services will be enhanced through the extension of case management programmes for those with severe mental illness. The coverage of the HA Drug Formulary will expand through the introduction of cost-effective and efficient additional drugs. Chronic disease management and public primary care services will also be enhanced, while the HA cataract surgery and in-patient and surgical services are set to expand. A total joint replacement centre in Yan Chai Hospital will be established to provide integrated treatment and rehabilitation.

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