Letters | Improve healthcare for Hong Kong’s ethnic minority groups

Readers discuss multiethnic-centric healthcare, the promise of RedNote’s surge in popularity, and a desert project

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Customers sit and stand around a halal eatery in Bowrington Road Market, Wan Chai, on October 19. Photo: Antony Dickson

Published: 11:30am, 19 Jan 2025

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Hong Kong is home to a significant number of ethnic communities. According to the 2021 population census, non-Chinese ethnic communities account for 8 per cent of Hong Kong’s population, with the largest groups being Filipinos, Indonesians, Indians, Nepalese and Pakistanis. These communities often face unique health challenges that require personalised healthcare services.

Hong Kong’s ethnic minority groups are vulnerable to various health issues exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and cultural barriers. Common health issues include chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension as well as mental health issues. Language barriers significantly hinder access to healthcare. Additionally, there is a shortage of healthcare professionals trained to understand cultural nuances.

Personalised health education and preventive services are limited. This results in delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes such as lower participation rates in vaccinations and cancer screenings within non-Chinese ethnic communities. Research shows South Asian patients are diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension at a younger age compared to the general population. Regular screening and continuous monitoring for pre-diabetes and hypertension are essential, given the often-asymptomatic nature of these chronic conditions in their early stages.

These disparities necessitate the implementation of several targeted measures. First, increasing the number of multilingual healthcare professionals and interpreters in hospitals and clinics can bridge the communication gap. Training healthcare providers in cultural competence is crucial to ensure they can deliver care that respects diverse patients’ cultural and religious beliefs.

Young members of communities can be empowered to lead health education initiatives, acting as cultural advocates for their communities. These projects can include workshops, health promotion carnivals and social media campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles and preventive care.