Hong Kong government defends flu season response, says no evidence of A&E overload
Hong Kong's government says there is no evidence of A&E departments being overwhelmed despite high flu activity. It outlines vaccination campaigns, workforce flexibility, and referral schemes as key measures, while noting the Greater Bay Area medical talent exchange is for professional development,
The Hong Kong government has rejected suggestions that a surge in flu and respiratory illness cases has overwhelmed public hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments. In a legislative written reply on 28 October 2026, the government said that while influenza activity remains high, there is no data showing that A&E services are unable to cope.
According to the reply, the Centre for Health Protection expects flu activity to fluctuate at high levels for several more weeks. The government stressed that A&E departments are designed for critical and emergency cases, and that triage categories ensure the most urgent patients receive immediate care. In September 2026, 100 per cent of critical and 90.6 per cent of emergency patients were treated within target times, up from 83.1 per cent a year earlier.
To manage seasonal pressures, the government outlined a multi-pronged strategy centred on vaccination. The 2026/27 seasonal flu vaccination programme began on 17 September, with around 900,000 doses administered by 19 October—about 10 per cent fewer than the same period last year. The government attributed 16 of 26 serious paediatric cases and 459 of 869 adult severe cases (including 599 deaths) to patients not having been vaccinated in the previous season.
On workforce, the Hospital Authority said it monitors service data and activates surge measures including flexible redeployment and special remuneration to increase capacity. However, the Greater Bay Area Medical Talent Exchange Scheme, launched in late 2022, is intended for professional exchange rather than to relieve staffing shortfalls. As of 30 September 2026, the scheme had brought in 135 doctors and 315 nurses from the mainland for periods ranging from weeks to 12 months.
The government also highlighted private hospital collaboration schemes, such as low-charge bed arrangements and partnerships with Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital and CUHK Medical Centre, which transfer stable patients for follow-up care. These are not flu-specific but help ease bed pressure. The government said it will continue to use these schemes as needed.
On community triage, the government noted that 15 Hospital Authority family medicine clinics now operate on Sundays and public holidays, providing an additional 10,000 slots. The Primary Care Guidelines list around 1,000 Western medicine and 1,000 Chinese medicine practices offering evening services. Patients can search for nearby private providers via the eHealth app.
The government concluded that it continuously reviews and adapts measures, drawing on good practices from mainland China and overseas, to suit Hong Kong's healthcare system.
