The Hong Kong government will study in detail a proposal on providing social security recipients allowances for using the services of Chinese herbalists in private practice, Director of Social Welfare of Hong Kong Paul Tang said Monday in Hong Kong.

Tang hoped the administrative costs involved will not be high, adding that the application procedures should be simple.

Speaking after a visit to the St. James' Settlement in Wan Chai, Tang said the department of Social Welfare will look into the issue with the Hospital Authority and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau of Hong Kong.

He noted social security recipients now enjoy free medical services at public hospitals, including Chinese medicine services offered by several clinics managed by the Hospital Authority.

On the social security adjustment to be implemented on Oct. 1, Tang said he is fully aware of recipients' concern, in particular that of the aged and disabled. The Social Welfare Department will contact them to better understand their needs and offer help when necessary.

He reiterated the social security revision only involves the standard rate and recipients may continue to apply for a wide range of allowances. Assistance will be offered to those with urgent needs.

Tang also revealed the social security scheme will be evaluated.In the review, ways to encourage the able-bodied to find jobs and improvements to arrangements on disregarded earnings will be considered.

The department is also reviewing the spending pattern of families receiving social security with the Census and Statistics Department, he added.