Our Work & Reports

Following an assessment of his health condition by an occupational therapist, an elderly wheelchair user applied to the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”) for financial assistance to purchase and transition to an electric wheelchair. Under the regulations, a medical certificate from a doctor under the Hospital Authority (“HA”) was required to support the application. However, his application stalled as the doctor did not issue the certificate on the grounds that his current public rental housing flat provided by the Hong Kong Housing Society (“HKHS”) was unsuitable for the use of an electric wheelchair. HKHS later agreed to arrange a transfer for him, but alterations to the new flat were necessary to accommodate the use of an electric wheelchair. Worried about the unaffordable costs of relocation and renovation, he approached the Office for assistance.

Acknowledging the applicant’s helplessness, the Office promptly engaged HA, SWD and HKHS to propose mediation. After reviewing the case, all three parties expressed understanding of the applicant’s situation and actively offered assistance. Upon review, HA issued a medical certificate in support of his application for subsidies to purchase an electric wheelchair and carry out flat alterations. SWD subsequently approved and disbursed the subsidies, and HKHS granted his request for flat alterations. In addition, HKHS and SWD maintained close communication to provide further support. HKHS arranged for volunteers to assist with relocation and referred the case to social service organisations for renovation services, while SWD explained the details of the removal allowance.

The applicant truly appreciated the Office’s mediation arrangements, which ultimately resolved his problem. The case also demonstrates how the relevant government departments and public organisations work together with empathy and reasonableness to respond to requests for assistance and help needy people overcome difficulties.

**Adapted from a real case**