The revised non-eligible person obstetric package charge for non-booked cases in public hospitals was gazetted today.
The charge will rise from $48,000 to $90,000 from tomorrow.
The Hospital Authority said the revision will deter pregnant women from seeking last-minute hospital admission for obstetric services via accident and emergency departments. It said such behaviour is dangerous to both the woman and the baby.
Factors taken into account include the complexity and intensity of care for non-booked cases, price comparability with the private market and affordability.
The minimum rate covers the delivery charges and the first three days of hospitalisation in general wards. If a woman needs to stay longer, the prevailing maintenance fee for general wards will be charged for the extra days while other inpatient charges for public wards and outpatient charges will apply separately.
