Over 200,000 Join Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme; New Network Launched for Primary Healthcare

Secretary for Health officiates at Opening Ceremony of Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of Primary Healthcare Co-care Network

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). He announced that the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) had achieved the target of having over 200 000 participants earlier than expected and would be regularised. Meanwhile, the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) launched the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network (Co-care Network) today.

Professor Lo said, "The CDCC Pilot Scheme has received an enthusiastic response since its launch at the end of 2023. By the end of January this year, the number of participants has exceeded 200 000, nearly 10 months ahead of the original target date. Among the participants who have completed the screenings, about 40 per cent were diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), or hyperlipidaemia and have entered the treatment phase, receiving government-subsidised cross-disciplinary follow-up for early management of chronic diseases. According to preliminary analysis conducted by a local university research team, the CDCC Pilot Scheme has performed well in terms of health benefits and cost-effectiveness, with participants showing overall improvements in their health conditions. The data shows that after joining the scheme for 12 months, the average glycated haemoglobin level of DM patients dropped from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent; while the average systolic blood pressure of HT patients decreased from 150 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) to 135mmHg, reflecting the positive impact of sustained health management and professional support on disease control. Based on a modelled scenario of 200 000 participants, it was expected that the scheme could prevent approximately 9 000 cases of cardiovascular disease and 11 000 deaths, gaining approximately 54 000 quality-adjusted life years and saving $2.7 billion in health expenditure.

"To address the challenges posed by an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the Health Bureau (HHB) announced today that the CDCC Pilot Scheme will be regularised and be renamed the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme (CDCC Scheme). The Co-care Network, launched simultaneously today, will introduce evidence-based, life-course-oriented preventive measures, as well as a framework for regular screening and management of high-risk diseases. The services under the Co-care Network will be determined by citizens' individual health conditions and risks, thereby implementing the 'peopleoriented' primary healthcare principle and bringing about a paradigm shift."

Established under the institutional framework of the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, the Cocare Network integrates and enhances primary healthcare services provided by the Government through expanding the scope of diseases covered, strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration, and improving community healthcare support and auxiliary services. Apart from including screening and treatment of the "three highs" under the current CDCC Scheme, and hepatitis B screening and treatment services, the Co-care Network will gradually expand to cover more chronic diseases, allowing people of different ages and risk groups to receive full-cycle health management in the community. The Co-care Network will also strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration and enhance relevant assistance and support to further optimise its services.

The first phase of development of the Co-care Network will span five years with a target participation of around 700 000 persons. Eligible citizens who register as members of the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) and agree to join eHealth can join services under the Co-care Network according to their health conditions and risks. Moreover, the HHB will continue to invite suitable patients currently attending the Family Medicine Clinics of the Hospital Authority (HA), and also participants in the General Outpatient Clinic Public-Private Partnership Programme that is scheduled to conclude in 2028, to join the services under the Co-care Network in a gradual manner.

As the entry points of the Co-care Network's services, the DHCs provide citizens with a series of standardised and personalised healthcare services, making their role as a hub of vital importance. At present, DHCs across all 18 districts in Hong Kong have over 100 service points. As of the end of January this year, the cumulative number of DHC members has reached more than 520 000, representing an increase of about 45 per cent over one year compared with the same period in 2025.

The Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre (YTM DHC), operated by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, commenced services in late October last year and is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists and social workers. Its core centre located at 1047 Canton Road, Mong Kok (the former Mong Kok Market building) was renovated by the Urban Renewal Authority. It features an audiometric cum vision assessment room and a smart rehabilitation zone, providing members with services such as health risk assessments and chronic disease management through application of technology. The three satellite centres located in Prince Edward, Yau Ma Tei and Jordan have also commenced services. For details about the YTM DHC, please visit the relevant webpage (www.dhc.gov.hk/en/dhc_yau_tsim_mong.html).

The Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan; the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Libby Lee; the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau; and the Deputy Director of Health, Dr Edmund Fong, also attended today's event.

The Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network was held today (March 13). Photo shows the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau (left), and Assistant Commissioner for Primary Healthcare Dr Christy Lam (centre) listening to an experience sharing at a media briefing by a citizen whose health conditions improved after participating in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network was held today (March 13). Photo shows the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau (centre), as well as Assistant Commissioners for Primary Healthcare Dr Jenny Lam (left) and Dr Christy Lam (right) at a media briefing on the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre (YTM DHC) cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). Photo shows Professor Lo (fourth right) tasting low-sugar food at the Healthy Diet Education Room of the YMT DHC. Also present are the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan (third right), and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee (second right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre (YTM DHC) cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). Photo shows Professor Lo (first right) chatting with a member at the YMT DHC. Also present is the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee (second right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre (YTM DHC) cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). Photo shows Professor Lo (third left) listening to the briefing by the staff of the YTM DHC on a member conducting balance training. Also present are the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan (sixth left); the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau (seventh left); and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee (fourth left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). Photo shows Professor Lo (fifth left); the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan (fifth right); the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau (second right); the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee (third left); and other guests celebrating that the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme has achieved the target early of having over 200 000 participants for screening. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). Photo shows Professor Lo (centre); the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan (third right); the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau (first right); the Deputy Director of Health, Dr Edmund Fong (second left); the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee (second right); and other guests at the launch ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre (YTM DHC) cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network was held today (March 13). Photo shows the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau (centre); together with the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan (fourth right); the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau (second right); the Deputy Director of Health, Dr Edmund Fong (first right); the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee (third right), and other guests officiating at the opening ceremony of the YTM DHC. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, delivers a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time"

The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a programme entitled "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" from June 27 to July 11 at the Hall of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) and the Cinema of the HKFA. This screening programme will showcase three pairings of films with six classic adaptations of the masterpiece novel "Journey to the West" in different eras and styles, demonstrating the diverse interpretations and artistic renderings by filmmakers across generations. This screening programme is part of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the HKFA and the Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026.

"Journey to the West" is a well-known fantasy novel about the adventures of a master and his disciples who defeat and vanquish demons and monsters. By blending cautionary philosophies with meticulous characterisations, it established its own distinct style which inspired countless film productions. From monk Xuanzang's real-life epic journey, to the gods and demons depicted by a Ming dynasty novelist, and waves of film adaptations in post-war Hong Kong, this Chinese cultural gem remains engaging and inspiring to this day through constant dialogue and innovations across time.

The opening screening will feature the HKFA's newly 4K digitally restored versions of "A Chinese Odyssey Part One - Pandora's Box" (1995) and "A Chinese Odyssey Part Two - Cinderella" (1995). Departing from the original novel, the film focuses on the plight of the Monkey King, played by Stephen Chow, becoming a bandit after reincarnation and his emotional attachments under the vivid imagination of director and screenwriter Jeff Lau. Amidst Chow's brilliant comedic performance, the Monkey King is embroiled in a doomed romance that pulls at the heartstrings, making the films an enduring legend in Hong Kong comedy cinema.

"The Monkey Goes West" (1966) and "Princess Iron Fan" (1966) by the Shaw Brothers showcase the prowess of major film studios at the time with gorgeous costumes, meticulous set designs and intensive special effects. "The Monkey Goes West" follows the encounters between the Monkey King, his master and fellow apprentices and the White Dragon Horse on their westward journey to seek sacred scriptures, while "Princess Iron Fan" tells the stories of the Monkey King putting out the flames of the Fiery Mountains and his fights against the White Bone Demons to rescue his master. As fine specimens of how a literary classic is reimagined as intriguing fantasies with songs and dance in the 1960s, the Monkey King, played by Elliot Yueh, sings songs in the style of huangmei diao in "The Monkey Goes West", while in "Princess Iron Fan", the brilliant fighting scenes of the White Bone Demons, played by emerging actresses Cheng Pei-pei and Lily Ho, are interspersed with songs and dances.

In "The Monkey King" (2014), directed by Soi Cheang, the unique Hong Kong-style action design is buttressed by advanced computer-generated imagery. The story also adds a layer of sincerity and an innocent pursuit of freedom to the classic character of the Monkey King, played by action star Donnie Yen, highlighting the spree of oppressions by the celestial gatekeeper before the Monkey King wreaks havoc and breaks through the gate. In "The Monkey King 2" (2016), the costume design and special effects of the White Bone Demon, played by Gong Li, exude feminine grace and allure with stunning glamour. The film also adds a tragic backstory that drives the White Bone Demon to villainy with infernal determination, breathing modern sensibility into the traditional tale.

The screening times of the three pairs of film are as follows:

First pair

June 27 (Saturday)

The Hall, EKCC

3pm

A Chinese Odyssey Part One - Pandora's Box (4K Digitally Restored Version)

7.30pm

A Chinese Odyssey Part Two - Cinderella (4K Digitally Restored Version)

Second pair

July 4 (Saturday)

Cinema, HKFA

1.30pm

The Monkey Goes West

5pm

Princess Iron Fan

Third pair

July 11 (Saturday)

Cinema, HKFA

1.30pm

The Monkey King

5pm

The Monkey King 2

Tickets for screenings at the EKCC priced at $70 and those for screenings at the HKFA priced at $60 will be available from May 22 (Friday) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). There is a 20 per cent discount for each purchase of two or more regular-priced tickets for different screenings in the same designated pair. For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please call 2739 2139 or visit the HKFA website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2026/ccf-journeys-to-the-west/pe-event-2026-ccf-journeys-to-the-west.html.

The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public's sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 will be held from June to September. It will host various forms of distinctive stage programmes and related extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities, affording the public and visitors more opportunities to appreciate and experience the beauty of fine traditional Chinese culture. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2026, please visitwww.ccf.gov.hk.

Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Film Archive to present screening programme "Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases