Advancing Digital Healthcare: A New Era for Patient Records
Driving Digital Transformation in Private Healthcare
To foster the integration of technology within the private medical sector, the Health Bureau is rolling out the “eHealth+ Connectivity Support Scheme.” This initiative seeks to incentivize private healthcare providers (HCPs) to utilize clinical management systems (CMSes) capable of uploading patient medical histories directly to their personal eHealth accounts. This move is expected to create a more interconnected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.
Financial Incentives for Early Adopters
Under the support scheme, eligible private healthcare professionals will be able to apply for a monthly stipend of HK$500 per registered physician. This financial assistance, available for up to a year, is intended to help offset the costs associated with implementing and maintaining accredited CMSes. The subsidy program will continue until March 31, 2026, encouraging widespread participation.
Empowering Patients Through Data Sharing
A key component of these new initiatives is the emphasis on patient autonomy regarding their health data. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to upload electronic health records to individual patient eHealth accounts, but only with proper authorization from the patients themselves. This ensures that patients retain control over their sensitive medical information while benefiting from centralized record-keeping.
Establishing Standards for eHealth Integration
In parallel with the support scheme, the “eHealth+ Connectivity Accreditation Scheme” is also being launched. This program will introduce a structured accreditation system, featuring gold, silver, and bronze tiers. These distinctions will reflect the varying levels of a healthcare provider's proficiency and commitment to depositing electronic health records (EHRs) into the eHealth platform.
Phased Implementation and Data Capabilities
The initial phase of the accreditation scheme will focus on Western medicine practitioners, as well as medical laboratory and radiology diagnostic centers. The Health Bureau has highlighted that the eHealth system currently supports the sharing of eleven distinct categories of electronic health records, laying a robust foundation for comprehensive digital health management.