DH discovers clinic providing RGA hair growth service suspected of operating unlicensed day procedure centre
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Earlier, the DH received intelligence that a clinic located at Cameron Commercial Centre, 458–468 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, which did not hold a DPC licence, was suspected of illegally providing Regenera Activa (RGA) autologous cell transplant procedures. Acting on the information, the DH and the Police conducted a joint enforcement operation today. A batch of devices and instruments that could be used for RGA procedures, together with relevant records, were seized. During the operation, the person-in-charge of the clinic and a doctor were arrested. Investigation is ongoing, and prosecution will be considered based on the evidence collected.
In addition, the involved doctor is suspected of performing high-risk medical procedures in premises without an appropriate licence, therefore failing to act in patients' best interest when providing medical care. The DH has referred the case to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for follow-up.
The RGA procedure involves autologous transplantation. Under the Ordinance, transplantation of any cells, tissues or organs, including autograft, allograft, xenograft, processed tissue or blood products (such as platelet-rich plasma) and skin flap, are scheduled medical procedures. Such procedures, when performed in an ambulatory setting, must take place in a licensed DPC. Any person operating a DPC without a licence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for three years.
The DH issued a letter in mid-February to remind all doctors that, before performing RGA or other scheduled medical procedures stipulated in the Ordinance, they must verify that the premises holds a suitable licence, so as to ensure the best interests of patients and adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct.
The DH reiterated its appeal to the public that, before receiving RGA or other scheduled medical procedures stipulated in the Ordinance, they should confirm if the premises had obtained a DPC licence in accordance with the Ordinance. To assist the public in identifying licensed or exempted facilities, the DH has established the Private Healthcare Facilities Register, which lists all private healthcare facilities with valid licences and exemptions. DPCs must display their licence in a conspicuous place. Each licence bears a QR code that can be scanned using the eHealth app to verify its validity. For more information, please visit the DH's Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities webpage.
Ends/Thursday, February 26, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:30
Issued at HKT 21:30
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