The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau will enhance primary healthcare services for the elderly. From 5 October 2026 (Monday), the PHC Commission will gradually integrate the services of Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) under the Department of Health (DH) into the district health network, adopting a new service model that will provide more comprehensive primary healthcare services for the elderly. The PHC Commission will integrate nine EHCs in the first phase, including North District, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Wu Hong, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Shing, San Po Kong, Yau Ma Tei, Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen. Integration of the remaining nine centres is expected to be completed within the year of 2027-28. After the integration, the number of service points will increase substantially from the current 18 to more than 100, covering District Health Centres/ District Health Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong and designated Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) of the Hospital Authority (HA). The overall service capacity for elderly health services will also increase from the current approximately 54 000 elderly persons per year to more than 120 000 elderly persons. Chronic Disease Management Elderly persons with follow-up consultations or examination appointments at the nine EHCs in the first phase should continue to attend their respective EHCs as scheduled. After consultations, subsequent follow-up arrangements will be coordinated by DHCs starting from 5 October this year. Elderly persons can register as DHC members free of charge, then they may be directly enrolled into the treatment phase of the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CDCC) Scheme after assessment, and continue follow-up with a family doctor of their choice in the community. For more information, please visit: https://www.primaryhealthcare.gov.hk/cdcc/en/. On the other hand, if elderly persons are concurrently receiving follow-up at both EHC and HA FMC, they will be arranged to continue their follow-up at FMC for their convenience. Health Assessment For members who have appointments for health assessment services, the EHCs will continue to provide the service. For members who do not have an appointment date or intend to use EHC services, they will receive a more comprehensive elderly health assessment service at DHCs starting from December this year. The scope of assessment will be expanded from currently cognition, mobility and vision, to cover nutrition, hearing, psychological capacity and urinary problem. Based on the assessment results, further investigations will be arranged and tailored management plans will be formulated. Arrangement of Episodic Disease Management during Integration During the transition period of service integration, existing EHC members will be included in the priority groups for HA’s Family Medicine Outpatient (FMOP) service. They may make priority bookings for FMOP episodic consultations via eHealth mobile application. Arrangements for Underprivileged Elderly To focus on addressing the healthcare needs of the underprivileged elderly, recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme, recipients of Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above, and elderly persons holding a valid Medical Fee Waiver Certificate, upon free-of-charge registration as DHC members, will be arranged to receive preventive elderly health services and assessments at designated HA FMCs. Subject to their eligibility, they will be granted full or partial fee waivers. Work ahead In order to inform EHC members of the service integration and subsequent follow-up arrangements as early as possible, the PHC Commission, together with the DH, will gradually issue letters to elderly members in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the EHCs will update their signage, and the PHC Commission will also progressively refurbish the existing facilities and environment of the EHCs. Enquiry Members of the public are welcome to visit or call the EHCs and DHCs for details of the relevant integration arrangements; or call the PHC Co-care Network enquiry line at 2157 0500 for enquiries. The enquiry line operates from 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday, except public holidays. Press Release: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/18/P2026081800303.htm?fontSize=1  

The District Health Centre (DHC) Pain Management Programme continues to enhance its services. Effective immediately, value-added physiotherapy services have been expanded to District Health Centres and DHC Expresses across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, providing residents with more comprehensive pain management support. Since January this year, the Programme has progressively introduced direct-access physiotherapy services for individuals suffering from low back pain and pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Eligible residents may receive assessment and treatment directly from physiotherapists at designated District Health Centres without requiring a doctor's referral. Since May, the direct-access physiotherapy value-added service has been further rolled out in phases to additional District Health Centres and DHC Expresses. The service now covers a wide range of common musculoskeletal pain conditions, including neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, hand and wrist pain, hip pain, and foot pain. The service has now been expanded to District Health Centres and DHC Expresses throughout all 18 districts of Hong Kong. To access the service, eligible residents are required to register as members of a District Health Centre, enrol in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth), and be matched with a family doctor. Healthcare professionals at the DHCs, including nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, will conduct an initial assessment for members in need. Based on individual circumstances, members may be referred to physiotherapy services or other appropriate services, such as Nurse Clinic, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition Consultation, or Chinese medicine services. For more information, please visit the District Health Centre / DHC Express website: https://www.dhc.gov.hk/en/general_public.html#location-map

Protecting Your Liver for a Healthier Future: From Understanding to Action Every year, 28 July marks World Hepatitis Day, a timely reminder of the importance of liver health, which is often overlooked by the public. To raise awareness, Wan Chai District Health Centre Express organised a special health seminar series in July titled “Protecting Your Liver for a Healthier Future”, bringing together a multidisciplinary healthcare team to explore the essential elements of liver care. A Registered Nurse began by addressing preventive measures at the source, explaining how personal hygiene practices related to activities such as tattooing and nail treatments can help reduce the risk of infection. A Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner and a Registered Dietitian then shared professional insights from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine and modern nutrition, providing practical guidance on how dietary and lifestyle modifications can reduce the burden on the liver and help prevent fatty liver disease and chronic liver inflammation. The series concluded with a session led by a Registered Pharmacist, who discussed medication management and highlighted the importance of proper medication use in preventing drug-induced liver injury. The comprehensive programme equipped participants with practical knowledge and a well-rounded understanding of liver health. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for protecting the liver, taking proactive steps and undergoing early screening are equally important. Early detection is the first step towards taking control of your health. Wan Chai District Health Centre Express is currently offering Free Hepatitis B Rapid Testing for eligible members. With just a simple test, you can gain a clearer understanding of your liver health and take positive action towards prevention and early intervention. For enquiries and appointments, please contact our staff at: 3751 5768 Take action today and safeguard your most valuable asset: your health. 

Many chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, often develop without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time symptoms appear, your health may already be affected. Take charge of your health through the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC). Eligible participants can receive government-subsidised screening and treatment for the "Three Highs" through a co-payment model, helping you build a stronger health protection network. What Does the CDCC Offer? ✅ Subsidised Health ScreeningBlood tests for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. ✅ Family Doctor MatchingA family doctor will provide follow-up care, consultation, and treatment from screening through disease management. ✅ Multi-disciplinary SupportAccess to services from family doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Participants may receive 4 to 6 subsidised consultations and medication support annually. Prevention today means better health, fewer illnesses, and a happier life tomorrow! Eligibility Criteria You are eligible if you: Are a Hong Kong resident aged 45 or above Have not been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension Are enrolled in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth) Are a member of a District Health Centre (DHC) / District Health Centre Express (DHCE) Start Your Health Journey with Wan Chai DHCE Become a member and receive a free health risk assessment conducted by a registered nurse. Take the first step towards better health today! Enquiries and Appointment Booking 3751 5768 (Main Centre)3586 1811 ( LMA Service Point) Service Locations Main Centre16/F, Kung Lee Building, 119 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay LMA Service PointRoom 1201, 12/F, Methodist House,36 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Useful Links CDCC Details:https://reurl.cc/bY5VQy Find a Participating Family Doctor:https://reurl.cc/nvzNKe 提供您對 BizChat 的意見反應    

With the recent spell of extremely hot weather and frequent Very Hot Weather Warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, it is important for everyone to take extra care in the heat. Whether you are an elderly resident or an outdoor worker such as a cleaner, construction worker, delivery rider, or security guard, please remember these essential heatstroke prevention tips: 4 Key Steps to Prevent Heatstroke Stay HydratedDo not wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water regularly and avoid excessive consumption of sugary or caffeinated beverages. Dress LightlyWear light-coloured, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing when outdoors. Use a hat or umbrella for sun protection. ❄️ Keep CoolAvoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day. Stay in well-ventilated or air-conditioned environments whenever possible. ⚠️ Rest if UnwellIf you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, flushed skin, or a rapid heartbeat, move to a cool shaded area immediately, rest, and rehydrate. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Free Summer Cooling Herbal Tea Giveaway To help the community stay cool and hydrated, The Methodist Centre is offering free cooling herbal tea drinks for older adults, outdoor workers, and members of the public. Date: 20 July to 20 September 2026Time: 12:00 noon to 5:00 pmVenue: 4/F, The Methodist Centre, 22 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai While stocks last. Visitors are also welcome to collect a small gift from the Wan Chai District Health Centre Express. Those who have not yet registered as members may use the membership invitation voucher included in the gift pack to make an appointment at our Methodist Centre Community Service Point. New members who complete registration and health assessment can receive a limited-edition gift. Gift redemption period: Now until 31 August 2026.