Total joint replacement surgeries: Making the case for a public–private partnership in Hong Kong

• Published date: 01 September 2022
• Author: Margaret K. Ho
• Date: 01 September 2022
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.467

World Med. & Health Policy. 2022;14:600–608.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/wmh3600

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© 2021 Policy Studies Organization

Received: 16 April 2021

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Revised: 11 May 2021

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Accepted: 24 May 2021

DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.467

COMMENTARY

Total joint replacement surgeries: Making the

case for a public–private partnership in

Hong Kong

Margaret K. Ho

Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR

Correspondence

Margaret K. Ho, Li Ka Shing Faculty of

Medicine, University of Hong Kong,

Hong Kong, SAR.

Email: margaretkayho@gmail.com

Abstract

With the increased demand for health services given the

growing ageing population and the reduced volume of

elective operations performed due to the COVID‐19

pandemic, a public–private partnership for total joint re-

placement surgeries in Hong Kong may be a solution to

these challenges. By contracting out a proportion of

operations to the private sector, this can relieve pressure

on the public system and allow for progression towards

allocative efficiency. The public sector would benefit

from a reduced case load while the private sector may

enjoy increased profits from a larger volume of opera-

tions. This reform may also reduce long waiting times for

surgeries, thus benefitting patients and health outcomes.

The inclusion of price controls and government sub-

sidies ensures that the reform remains equitable. As

Hong Kong has had success with similar initiatives, this

partnership would be a practical approach to address

some of the city's most pressing health issues today.

KEYWORDS

arthroplasty, Hong Kong, public–private sector partnerships, resource

allocation, replacement

Key points

•Ageing and COVID‐19 have increased demand for

joint replacement operations in Hong Kong.

•A public‐private partnership for such surgeries may

help to address this challenge.

•This reform would support progression towards

allocative efficiency.

•Implementation will require strong governance to

ensure optimal service quality and equity.

•There is a high level of public and political accept-

ability for such a partnership.