According to health authorities, a three-year Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme will be launched, with the concept of "family doctor for all" to build a district-based, family-centred community primary health service from next year.

The government will also establish the Primary Healthcare Authority on community healthcare services, setting standards and devising quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the management.

Besides, additional subsidies will be granted to the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme to enhance the more effective use of primary healthcare.

"It is anticipated that the number of chronic disease patients will increase to three million from 2.2 million, accounting for 3.7 percent of the city's whole population, in a dozen years," said Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mao.

"The health system in Hong Kong must be reviewed and improved soon to cope with the potential pressure brought by the patient amount," he said.