FAQs
The DHC is a primary healthcare initiative of the Government. Through public-private partnership, medical-social collaboration, it provides district-based primary healthcare services aiming to:
- enhance public awareness of disease prevention and their capability in self-management of health;
- drive healthy lifestyle for prevention of chronic disease;
- support the chronically ill to prevent deterioration;
- enhance client access to primary healthcare service.
Each DHC consists of a core centre and a few satellite centres, being the healthcare service and resource hubs of the district.
The core centre will offer primary healthcare services through individual service sessions and group intervention. It will provide primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes. The satellite centres will offer primary prevention programmes and other group activities.
The first DHC will be launched in Kwai Tsing District and it will start operation in September 2019. The DHC scheme will be rolled out to other districts subsequently.
Is living or working in the district of the corresponding DHC.
An individual who
- Is a holder of the Hong Kong Identity Card issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177, the Laws of Hong Kong) or the certificate of exemption, except those who obtained their Hong Kong Identity Cards by virtue of a previous permission to land or remain in Hong Kong granted to him and such permission has expired or ceased to be valid; or a child who is a Hong Kong resident and under 11 years of age; and
- agrees to enrol in the electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS); and
- is living or working in the district of the corresponding DHC.
He should present the identity document and residential address proof.
Registration and membership fees are free. The membership is lifelong.
The Scheme includes primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programmes. Primary prevention programme consists of health promotion and disease prevention activities. Secondary prevention includes screening for diabetes mellitus and hypertension in targeted group of clients. Tertiary prevention programmes cover chronic disease management and community rehabilitation.
To facilitate continuity of care, all DHC clients and Network Service Providers are required to enrol in the eHRSS. With prior consent from the client, clinical information will be shared with the service providers through eHRSS, on a need-to-know basis.
All DHC members must enrol in eHRSS. The DHC will be difficult to provide a coordinated service to the client who withdraws from eHRSS. Therefore, the client will have to terminate the membership of the DHC Scheme.
The current Pilot Programme will be implemented until June 29, 2024
No. Patients who are already using the same treatment services in the public health care system (e.g., HA) cannot participate in the Pilot Programme. If a patient enrolled in the Pilot Programme chooses to use the public health care system for follow-up treatment after enrolling in the programme, the patient must immediately notify the District Health Center Care Coordinator and withdraw from it.
