In response to the recent decision of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) to stay the proceedings of an inquiry case permanently, the Government issued the following statement today (October 30): 

     Healthcare professions in Hong Kong have all along observed the principle of professional autonomy, with the statutory bodies responsible for regulating the healthcare professions, upholding and uplifting their professional standards and ethical conduct, thereby protecting the interest of patients. The Government reiterates that all regulatory bodies of healthcare professions have the responsibility to handle complaints against professionals through an investigation and disciplinary mechanism that is fair, impartial, transparent and efficient, with a view to ensuring healthcare professional standards and patient safety and fostering mutual trust between patients and healthcare professionals. When discharging their duties, regulatory bodies must be accountable to the public for safeguarding the overall interest of society. 

     The Government is highly concerned about the handling of the relevant complaint case. The Secretary for Health has written to the Chairman of the MCHK requesting the MCHK to provide an account on the mechanism in handling complaint investigation and disciplinary inquiries, and to carry out a holistic review and introduce improvement recommendations in the light of the complaint case, to respond to the expectation of society and the public concerning the standard and ethical conduct of healthcare professionals. The MCHK must uphold its mission of ensuring justice, maintaining professionalism and protecting the public.

     The Health Bureau expressed regards to the patient and parents involved, and will follow up with relevant government departments on the patient’s medical and welfare needs. 

Ends/Thursday, October 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:15

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