From Jan 1, patients using the Family Medicine Out-patient Service will need to pay HK$5 ($0.64) per prescription item, while those using Specialist Out-patient Service will be charged HK$20 per prescription item, the Hospital Authority said on Friday.

The Hospital Authority will also set an annual cap of HK$10,000 on medical expenses to limit the financial burden on patients.

The fees and charges reform aims to enhance the effectiveness of medical subsidies, making sure limited medical services are benefiting those most in need, said the Hospital Authority at a news conference on Friday.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital starts operation

The HK$5 fee when using the Family Medicine Out-patient Service covers a four-week supply per prescription item, and the HK$20 fee in Specialist Out-patient Service covers a 16-week supply per prescription item.

“We want to encourage patients to take an active role in medication arrangements, to inform doctors of existing home stock and avoid the unnecessary accumulation of drugs,” said William Chui Chun-ming, chief pharmacist for the Hospital Authority.

READ MORE: HK’s first Chinese medicine hospital to offer first-year discounts

Also from Jan 1, all patients’ annual medical expenses through public hospitals will be capped at HK$10,000 to ensure the increases in charges will not cause financial hardship for patients developing sudden critical illnesses and those requiring long-term treatment.

The cap will cover charges across in-patient and out-patient services, except self-financed medical devices. Mary Yung Mei-yuk, chief manager of the Hospital Authority, said the cap is expected to benefit around 70,000 eligible residents.

The Hospital Authority said it will also set up the Office for the Introduction of Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices to proactively source advanced treatments for critical illnesses and rare diseases.

Valeria Shan contributed to the story.