Hong Kong expands primary care network, eyes 'one person, one family doctor' goal
Hong Kong's government outlined progress on its primary healthcare reform, reporting over 50% growth in registered GPs and 550% growth in dentists on the Primary Care Directory since 2022. Plans include expanding chronic disease schemes, integrating maternal services, and a pilot community pharmacy
The Hong Kong government has provided a detailed update on its primary healthcare development, highlighting significant progress since the release of the Primary Healthcare Blueprint in December 2022. As of 31 August 2026, the number of medical practitioners registered on the Primary Care Directory has surged, with Western medicine doctors increasing by over 50 per cent and dentists by over 550 per cent compared to the Blueprint's launch.
The government's ultimate goal is to achieve a 'one person, one family doctor' system, where every citizen is paired with a personal family doctor. Key initiatives include the expansion of the District Health Centre network, aiming to enrol 1 million members within five years, and the transformation of the current directory into a comprehensive Primary Care Register covering all primary care professionals.
The 'Chronic Disease Co-management Scheme', launched in late 2023, has seen strong uptake, reaching its target nearly 10 months early. In March 2026, this was integrated into the broader 'Primary Care Co-management Network', which now covers 'three highs' (hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia) screening and hepatitis B management. As of 23 September 2026, 909 family doctors were participating, serving approximately 391,700 paired members.
To address population ageing and workforce challenges, the government is exploring health plans for higher-risk occupations and integrating elderly health services into the primary care system. Starting 5 October 2026, elderly health centres are being consolidated to provide more comprehensive assessments and reduce waiting times, with referrals to the co-management network for follow-up.
On maternal and child health, the government is progressively integrating maternal and child health centres into the Hospital Authority. Free pre-pregnancy, prenatal and postnatal group activities have been launched at three 'Joyful Women' stations and one District Health Centre since May 2026, set to expand territory-wide. The 'e-Health+' mobile app is being developed as a comprehensive health management tool, with plans to further integrate pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postnatal information.