The Hong Kong government plans to spend HK$66.2 billion on welfare in 2016-17 – up from HK$42.8 billion in 2012-13, an increase of 54.7 per cent. Welfare’s proportion of total government expenditure is rising from 16.3 per cent to 19 per cent in that period.
However, the continual increase in poverty among the working poor and our young people is of concern. Despite many government budget surpluses, have we made any strategic investments in our human capital, skills and training, which can lead to savings in welfare expenditure?
In answering this question, one of the topics was "Healthy body and healthy mind" at a mental health conference held in Cairns last week.
It is so important to invest in a healthy body, which is strongly related to a healthy mind. It is not rocket science to achieve a healthy body, namely through a balanced diet, regular exercise and good social support.
The benefits are phenomenal. We don’t need to eat expensively but nutritiously enough to keep us well. Doing more exercise has been shown to be good for everyone. Exercise builds muscle and bone strength, increases cardiovascular health, decreases stress and improves quality of sleep. It generates endorphins, which spread positive feelings throughout the body.
Furthermore a work-life balance is beneficial to everyone. If the government can invest more in leisure and cultural activities and make them more accessible to the community, we would become happier and healthier, meaning health costs can subsequently be reduced. We invest in our health to save our wealth.
Investing in a smart and healthy city should help reduce waiting times for transport, banking, medical and health services among many others. Some bus companies already upload timetables in real time so passengers do not have to wait so long.
The government needs to adopt a customer-oriented approach. Building a smart and healthy city requires a government commitment to resources and leadership. There is no point in saving money now and becoming poor in the future. We invest to save.
Investment in our human capital and infrastructure should bring Hong Kong to new heights. The investment can save much and create wealth in the community.
If our professional service sectors can respond strategically to emerging opportunities, society will grow. Our studies show that the poverty rate is related to a higher suicide rate and low satisfaction with life.
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Category(s):Mental Health in Asia, Other
Source material from South China Morning Post
