Background

The ageing of the global population is associated with a rising prevalence of chronic disease and preventable illness, generating escalating demands for health care and creating pressures on the sustainability of health systems. Health expenditures are projected to grow at rates that outpace government revenue growths, raising concerns on the long-term financial sustainability. To address this issue and encourage countries to build resilient health systems, The United Nations identified Universal Health Coverage as one of its Sustainable Development Goals. Reform in health systems is comprehensive, focusing on health financing, procurement and provision of services. Financing of different types and levels of healthcare for integrated delivery is critical to meet the complex needs of people with chronic disease and for efficiency and equitable healthcare.

In the Asia Pacific Region, fragmentation of heath care service delivery is evident. Coordination of services within primary care, between primary community care and specialist hospital care is limited and problematic. Public and private healthcare systems effectively operate in segmented parallel systems which compromise effectiveness and efficiency of health systems. Countries have implemented policies such as the expansion of private health insurance schemes to engage the private health sector transformed primary care led system. However significant challenges have impeded progress, including rapidly rising healthcare costs, incongruity between insurance benefits and people’s needs, as well as political and legislative indifferences.

The course will provide an overview of private sector engagement from the perspectives of stakeholders including policymakers, regulators, economists and insurers. The engagement of players in the private sector involved in the procurement, provision and assessment of services will be explored where the patient’s experiences of access to care and financial protection in the private sector will be discussed. One such actor that enables access to care in the private sector is Private Health Insurance (PHI), purchased by individuals to supplement, complement, or substitute public health financing methods. PHI plays a critical role in protecting individuals from financial risks, particularly against catastrophic medical expenses. The business and regulatory environments will also be explored to understand the needs of commercial operators and regulators so private actors can effectively contribute to overall health financing whilst maintaining profitability in their core business activities. Case studies on country experiences of private sector engagement based on the different health system designs will be presented for learning.

Objectives:

The course will provide participants with:

1. Analysis of health system needs and challenges from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, economists, and insurers.
2. Analysis of the engagement of players in the private sector, the industry practices that drive the purchasing and procurement of services, and the associated impacts on the design of insurance products offered on the market.
3. Inform decisions in the choice of commercial financing products like PHI in funding the provision of healthcare services in the private sector.
4. Understanding patient experiences in the private sector, in terms of access to care, quality of care and financial protection.

Target Audience:

The primary target audience for the course are senior and mid-level policy makers at national and sub-national level, health policy implementer, health sector managers and practitioners working with the private sector and regulators. Heads/directors of private health care organization/ associations, academia and researchers in health services, system and policy, and global and international organizations/development partner representatives might also find this course useful.

Invited Speakers:

The Policy Course brings together a diverse group of esteemed speakers from across the Asia Pacific Region to share their expertise and insights.

Opening Session:

• Professor Laksono TRISNANTORO (Professor, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia)
• Professor E.K. YEOH (Director, Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

Faculty Members:

• Dr. Eduardo P. BANZON (Director, Health Sector Group, Asian Development Bank, Philippines)
• Professor Ying-Yao CHEN (Professor, Fudan University, China)
  Dr. Yat CHOW (Executive Medical Director, Bupa Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China)
• Shita DEWI (Health Policy and Public Health Division, CHPM, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)
• Professor Chantal HERBERHOLZ (Professor, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand)
• Professor Soonman KWON (Professor, Seoul National University, South Korea)
• Professor Siripen SUPAKANKUNTI (Professor, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand)
• Professor Sharifa Ezat WAN PUTEH (Professor, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia)

Please refer to the programme rundown for the detailed course content. 

Venue:

• Day 1: KCTCRC, 1/F School of Public Health Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. 
• Day 2: Alva Hotel by Royal, 1 Yuen Hong Street, Shatin, Hong Kong. 
• Day 3: CUHK Medical Centre, 9 Chak Cheung Street, Shatin, Hong Kong. 

Please refer to the programme rundown for the detailed schedule.

Registration Fee:

The standard tuition fee for the course (May 6-8th, 2025) is USD 200. This fee includes tuition, course material, one field visit, coffee breaks and lunch during the days of the training. 

Participants (or their funding agency) will be responsible for covering the costs of travel, health and accident insurance, accommodation, and other expenses while in Hong Kong. 

An early bird fee of USD 150 per person will apply for participants whose payments are received before 7 April 2025. [Extended to 14 April 2025]

Registration Link

Please fill the registration link below:
https://cuhk.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpW0lqkwuwfp2bs

Payment details:

Once registered, we will provide an invoice number to you by email.

For local/ overseas participants: For bank direct transfer/deposit, please quote the invoice number and make payment to the following bank account:

For local participants ONLY: For cheque payment, please make cheque payable to  Asia Pacific Network For Health Systems Strengthening Limited and mark the invoice number on the back of the cheque and send the cheque to Room 201, 2/F, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.

Hotel Information: 

Please refer to  https://hspr.cuhk.edu.hk/hotel-accommodations for hotels near the course venue.

Date: May 6, 2025

Venue: KCTCRC, 1/F School of Public Health Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong

AGENDA OVERVIEW

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration
Welcome Remarks:
Laksono TRISNANTORO, Professor of Health Policy and Management, Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)

Structure of Course:
Professor Eng-Kiong YEOH, Director, Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (HKSAR, China)

9:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Teaching Presentation 1

Topic: The Role of the Private Sector in Health Financing
Speaker: Professor Siripen SUPAKANKUNTI, Professor, Chulalongkorn University  (Thailand)
Abstract:
The session investigates explicitly the expanding role of private health insurance and the persistence of out-of-pocket payments as critical yet complex sources of healthcare funding. It analyzes how these private financing avenues reshape healthcare landscapes by influencing consumer choices, driving the growth of private hospitals and clinics, and impacting the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
While acknowledging the private sector’s contributions to expanding healthcare access and fostering innovation, the session underscores the critical need for effective governance and targeted policy interventions. Addressing challenges related to equitable access, cost containment, quality assurance, and seamless coordination between public and private healthcare providers is essential to ensure a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system that benefits all members of society. The session highlights the vital role of strategic public-private partnerships, a renewed focus on primary care and prevention, and data-driven policymaking in shaping a more equitable and efficient health financing future for the region.

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Tea & Refreshments

11:15 AM – 12:45 PM | Teaching Presentation 2

Topic: Integration of Financing and Provision of Primary Healthcare in the Private Sector

Speaker: Dr. Yat CHOW, Executive Medical Director, Bupa Insurance & Quality Healthcare Medical Services (HKSAR, China)

Abstract:
The provision of healthcare services in the private sector is a critical component of modern health systems, particularly in the context of integrated care between health insurers and health service providers. This presentation explores the dynamics of such integration, focusing on outpatient services within the private health sector. The primary care model serves as the foundation for this integration, emphasizing the importance of coordinated and continuous care for patients.
Integration is achieved through various mechanisms, including shared information systems, collaborative care planning, and financial incentives aligned with quality outcomes. Health insurers and providers work together to streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and enhance patient experiences. Participation in public-private partnership (PPP) programs further strengthens this integration by leveraging the strengths of both sectors to improve service delivery and accessibility.
This integrated approach contributes significantly to the overall healthcare system by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality of care. It fosters a more patient-centered approach, ensuring that individuals receive timely and appropriate care. Additionally, it supports the sustainability of the healthcare system by optimizing resource utilization and promoting preventive care.
However, several barriers to effective integration exist, including regulatory challenges, differences in organizational cultures, and resistance to change among stakeholders. Overcoming these barriers requires robust policy frameworks, continuous stakeholder engagement, and the adoption of best practices from successful integration models. The presentation will delve into case studies and real- world examples to illustrate how these challenges have been addressed in various contexts.
In conclusion, the integration of healthcare services in the private sector, facilitated by collaboration between health insurers and providers, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall healthcare system. By examining the mechanisms of integration, participation in PPP programs, and the impact on primary care, this presentation provides a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with this approach.

12:45 PM – 2:30 PM    Lunch break

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Teaching Presentation 3 (Part 1)

Topic: Private Health Sector Assessment
Speaker: Shita DEWI, Health Policy and Public Health Division, CHPM, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia) 

Abstract:
Private Health Sector Assessment (PHSA) is the first step in engaging the private sector. PHSA is an assessment aiming at the private health sector to get some basic information needed in order to select appropriate strategies to engage private providers more strategically/effectively. Ultimately, PHSA should help develop policy recommendations for enhancing the private sector’s contribution to alleviating identified problems, enhance health policy decision-making, promote public – private dialogue and create forward momentum. The objective of this session is to provide insight into how to conduct a private health sector assessment (PHSA) tailored to participant’s country. The session will highlight the importance of PHSA in engaging private sector, tools for conducting PHSA and how to link the PHSA result to the PSE strategy options.
A private health sector assessment is an important first step towards more strategic engagement of private sector actors in order to achieve sector goals. PHSAs are tools to inform policy and stakeholder dialogue. Research reports are not the primary objective of a PHSA. And it is crucial to understand that dialogue, policy prioritization, and forward momentum are the objectives of a PHSA, not a report.

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS AND THINK ABOUT 

• • How will you use your PHSA to develop a strategy that suits the context of your county?
  • How will you engage your stakeholder to develop this strategy?

RECOMMENDED READING

Chakraborty, S. & Harding, A., 2003. Conducting a Private Health Sector Assessment. In: A. S. Preker & Harding, eds. Private Participation in Health Services. Washington: World Bank, pp. 75-156.

Private Health Policy Toolkit. Tools for Engaging the Private Health Sector. Washington: World Bank, 2013.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Tea & Refreshments

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Teaching Presentation 3 (Part 2)

Topic: Private Health Sector Assessment
Speaker: Shita DEWI, Health Policy and Public Health Division, CHPM, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia)

Regional Knowledge Event: The Strategic Role of Private Health Insurance (PHI) for Health System Goals and to Advance Universal Health Coverage

Date: May 7, 2025

Venue: Alva Hotel by Royal, 1 Yuen Hong Street, Shatin, Hong Kong

AGENDA: Please refer to Knowledge Event programme rundown for detailed schedule.

Date: May 8, 2025

Venue: CUHK Medical Centre, 9 Chak Cheung Street, Shatin, Hong Kong

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Teaching Presentation 1

Topic: The Private Hospital and Specialist Sector in Hong Kong

Speaker: Professor Hong FUNG, Executive Director and CEO of CUHK Medical Centre; Professor of Practice of JC School of Public Health and Primary Care (HKSAR, China)

Abstract:
Private hospital and specialist care in Hong Kong used to play a supplementary role to the public hospital system under the Hospital Authority. The private sector offers choice of doctors, faster access with short waiting time, and better accommodation and hospitality services. There is, however, an imbalance between public and private healthcare with 90% of the secondary and tertiary care services being taken up by the public hospitals while nearly half of the specialist doctors work in the private sector. The imbalance has grown since the Covid-19 pandemic with worsening waiting time in the public sector for elective services and cost escalation in the private sector. The latter is mainly reflected in the worsening loss ratios among the private health insurers, leading to major increases in premiums and driving more patients to the public sector.

The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been introducing reform measures to the private sector. These measures include the introduction of the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS), which provides a regulatory framework for the health insurance products, regulation of private healthcare facilities as well as requiring private hospitals to publish their historical charges for 30 common surgical procedures. A key theme under VHIS and the requirement of publication of historical charges is to promote price transparency. But according to a report published by the Hong Kong Consumer Council in March 2025, price transparency remains a major issue in private healthcare.

This lecture will examine the respective roles of the payers, the hospitals, and the medical specialists in private healthcare and in contributing towards Universal Health Coverage. It proposes package pricing as the foundation for promoting price transparency and affordability of private healthcare. Setting the foundation would enable the building of different financial pillars to make private healthcare more affordability and accessible. The lecture will be followed by a hospital visit to study the use of technology in the development of a smart hospital and supporting the Triple Aim in healthcare delivery.

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM | Certificate Presentation Ceremony

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Tea Break

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Tour of CUHK Medical Centre