Primary Health Services Utilization and Inequality

Hong Kong’s health services have shown signs of development in recent decades. The provision of public low-cost universal health services acts as a safety net, but its quality and quantity is sometimes questionable. Citizens’ health service needs often must be met by the supplementary private health services, especially the primary health services. Nevertheless, criticisms have been expressed regarding access to, and utilization of, these health services. This paper examines the utilization, in terms of accessibility, affordability, and primary health services for Hong Kong residents. Based on a survey data collected in 2009, findings revealed that the respondents were, on the whole, satisfied with the primary health services and that this attitude is positively correlated with their satisfaction in their own health status. Nevertheless, the findings also show that health services utilization varies according to social class which deserves attention.