Covid disruption

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cross-border movement. A retired Hong Kong teacher affected by the travel obstacles was Ko Shing-che, who lived in Shenzhen for 20 years. In 2020, the 77-year-old had emergency cardiac surgery at HKU-SZH. The operation and follow-up treatments cost him 170,000 yuan ($23,840) — much higher than a similar surgery at a public hospital in Hong Kong. He had no choice under the circumstances.

Before the pandemic, retirees like Ko preferred to see doctors in Hong Kong. The COVID-19 pandemic made cross-border travel nearly impossible. Accessing medical services on the mainland without local health insurance can be expensive.

Ko said the elderly medical voucher, which is renewed annually, can only contribute marginally. He still has to pay additional 7,000 to 8,000 yuan a year for follow-up treatment. He hopes HKU-SZH will allow Hong Kong residents to get medical treatment at SAR public health rates.