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[Guide to seeking medical treatment in Mainland China] Key differences, process, and must-know tips for Hong Kong residents

Whether for specific treatments or for advantages such as shorter waiting times and greater cost-effectiveness, mainland healthcare has become one of the options for Hong Kong residents managing their health. However, with notable differences between the healthcare systems in mainland China and Hong Kong — including processes, fees, and insurance reimbursement — understanding the following key points in advance can help ensure a smoother and more reassuring cross-border medical experience.

health
[Chikungunya fever hits Hong Kong] Symptoms similar to dengue? Your guide to transmission, symptoms, treatment & prevention!

According to the Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, over 4,000 cases had already been recorded in Guangdong province by the first week of August. Hong Kong residents frequently travel north, with Guangdong being a prime destination for short trips. This means that if the infection is introduced locally, there is a very real risk of community outbreaks. Learn more about Chikungunya fever — not only to protect yourself and your family while travelling but also to ensure prompt and appropriate action.

health
[Public hospital waiting times in Hong Kong] How long are surgical waiting lists and specialist outpatient queues? How can you access treatment faster?

According to the Hospital Authority's statistics (as of March 2025), waiting times for stable new cases at certain specialist outpatient clinics has reached an alarming 183 weeks. Faced with such overwhelming demand, it’s natural for residents to worry: ‘When I fall ill, how can I receive the most appropriate treatment?’ How does the public hospital waiting system actually operate? Which surgeries or specialties have the longest queues? Are there ways to access treatment more quickly? Understanding how the system works—alongside potential alternatives—can help you plan suitable healthcare arrangements for yourself and your family earlier, easing concerns about future health risks.

health
Summer must-tries: 5 simple cooling soup recipes to beat the heat, clear toxins, and reduce dampness!

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, soups aren't just a warm dish on the table – they're a way to regulate your constitution and balance your internal organs. Especially in humid, hot environments and with fast-paced lifestyles like in Hong Kong, using natural, heat-clearing ingredients to make soups can help detoxify the body, soothe the gut, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep. We’re introducing 5 simple, family-friendly cooling soups—each designed to clear heat, detoxify the body, reduce dampness, and soothe internal heat. Pick your favourites!

health
Summer must-tries: 5 simple cooling soup recipes to beat the heat, clear toxins, and reduce dampness!

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, soups aren't just a warm dish on the table – they're a way to regulate your constitution and balance your internal organs. Especially in humid, hot environments and with fast-paced lifestyles like in Hong Kong, using natural, heat-clearing ingredients to make soups can help detoxify the body, soothe the gut, calm the mind, and promote restful sleep. We’re introducing 5 simple, family-friendly cooling soups—each designed to clear heat, detoxify the body, reduce dampness, and soothe internal heat. Pick your favourites!