The Political Economy of Health Care Development and Reforms in Hong Kong

First published in 1999, this book constitutes a unique account of the development and reform of health care in Hong Kong. Its main focus is on policy developments since 1945. Victor Wong demonstrates the development of a two-tier health system in both a capitalist and Chinese context. His work is one of both health policy and political economy. Wong utilises the latter perspective to show the state’s role in the interests of capital, the public demand for health care and the power of the medical profession. Alongside this, Wong brings in the role of Chinese and family medicine and the role of the family in cost containment and minimising the hospitalisation of elderly, frail and chronically ill patients. The volume is the most comprehensive analysis available for health policy in Hong Kong.