The health of the populace is generally good, the result, in part, of an aggressive program of public measures, including the promotion of preventive medicine and personal health services, and a relatively high quality of life. Improving health indexes and a downward trend in the occurrence of major communicable diseases are leading indicators of the state of health in Hong Kong. Most deaths are caused by cancer, heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases. Hospitals are divided into three groups: government, government-assisted, and private. These are under great pressure to meet the needs of the people. Clinics, some operated by the government, supplement other medical facilities. Boat-borne clinics provide services to some outlying villages.
The social security system is largely limited to emergency relief programs, although there are some allowances for unemployment, old age, and disabilities. The aging of the population, coupled with the extreme crowding, presents increasing problems of elderly care. Spending on social welfare increased significantly in the mid-1990s.
[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Kowloon-street-at-night-Hong-KongKowloon street at night, Hong Kong.[Credits : Photos.com/Jupiterimages]
Hong-Kong-skyline-at-night-including-the-Convention-and-ExhibitionHong Kong skyline at night, including the Convention and Exhibition Center (centre).[Credits : © Digital Vision/Getty Images]
Hong-Kong-Island-from-Victoria-Peak-Hong-KongHong Kong Island (centre background) from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong.[Credits : © M. Borchi/DeA Picture Library]
Street-scene-Hong-KongStreet scene, Hong Kong.[Credits : © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages]
Boat-people-in-Hong-Kong-Harbour“Boat people” (Tanka) in Hong Kong Harbour.[Credits : © Goodshoot/Jupiterimages]
Woman-lighting-incense-at-a-Buddhist-temple-Hong-KongWoman lighting incense at a Buddhist temple, Hong Kong.[Credits : © Corbis]
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