The Hong Kong government has unveiled plans to offer more than 24,000 cervical and breast cancer screening appointments each year as part of its new Women’s Wellness Station (WWS) program, significantly expanding access to preventive care services for women across the city.
Speaking on a televised program, Primary Healthcare Commissioner Pang Fei-chau said the initiative aims to enhance early detection of women’s cancers by improving coverage and convenience, especially for those who may not have previously accessed regular screenings.
First WWS to Open in Wan Chai on June 12
The first Women’s Wellness Station is set to open in Wan Chai next Thursday (June 12), marking the start of the new initiative. Two additional stations, located in Lam Tin and Tuen Mun, are expected to become operational by September, forming part of a broader rollout across the city.
The new program will benefit women aged 64 or below, with 11,000 additional screening slots compared to the services currently available through the existing Women Health Centres operated by the Department of Health within the District Health Network.
Pang emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening community-level health infrastructure and promoting preventive healthcare, particularly for diseases that are highly treatable when detected early.
More Accessible, Yet Affordable Care
The program will adopt a co-payment and pay-per-visit model. Eligible users will be charged HK$80 per clinic visit and HK$150 for a doctor consultation. These charges will be partially subsidized by the government, keeping the out-of-pocket costs affordable.
According to Pang, the estimated total cost for women using the service two to three times per year would be only slightly higher than the HK$300 annual fee currently charged at Women Health Centres.
“This new pricing structure not only maintains affordability but also allows the government to deliver more value-added services and broaden the scope of care,” Pang said. “We aim to introduce these enhanced services starting from the third quarter of 2025.”
He added that over time, the charges under the WWS scheme would gradually align with fees at public general outpatient clinics, creating a more unified healthcare payment model.
Community Clinics to Serve as First Contact
Under the new model, women’s health nurse clinics across all 18 districts will act as the first point of contact. These clinics will provide basic health consultations, screen for eligibility, and refer patients to WWS locations when further care is needed.
The Women’s Wellness Stations, operated under the Health Bureau, will then provide specialized services such as cervical cytology (Pap smears), clinical breast exams, and follow-up consultations.
Bridging Public Awareness and Preventive Action
The government is positioning the WWS program not just as a clinical service but as a public health intervention, encouraging women to take proactive steps in managing their well-being.
Health officials note that despite the availability of screening programs, many women still do not undergo regular tests due to lack of awareness, time constraints, or social stigma. The new initiative seeks to eliminate these barriers by offering convenient, community-based services with clear pricing, professional support, and government backing.
“The Women’s Wellness Stations are designed to integrate preventive health into women’s everyday lives,” Pang said. “We’re not just offering screenings—we’re building a culture of health and early intervention.”
As Hong Kong continues to reform its primary healthcare system, the WWS program is expected to play a vital role in relieving pressure on hospitals, reducing late-stage cancer diagnoses, and improving women’s long-term health outcomes.
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