Review launched on Mainland mother issue

February 03, 2012

Secretary for Food & Health York Chow says the Government will discuss with the Hospital Authority and private hospitals over the next two months, the need for an adjustment in the quota and policies regarding pregnant Mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong.
 
In a media session today, Dr Chow said the Government has cut the quota for Mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong to 35,000 for 2012, to ease demand for obstetrics services.
 
"We can see local mothers are giving birth more now, which is a very good sign, and more young people are getting married as well. This is very encouraging for Hong Kong. So we must reserve sufficient capacity for local parents," he said.
 
Dr Chow said the Government needs to adjust the quota every year, and is discussing the issue with Mainland authorities to deter people from trying to bypass the birth-registration system.