The Department of Health today said it is taking follow-up action against a Mong Kok private health check centre for suspected violations of the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance and has referred the case to Police for further investigation.

The department added that it will fully co-operate with the police probe and provide professional support when necessary.

In a statement responding to a media report on the quality and professional qualifications of private health check centre personnel, the department said the professional registration and regulation of various healthcare professionals in Hong Kong are handled by their respective boards or councils in accordance with relevant legislations.

It explained that the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) Board and the Radiographers Board are statutory bodies established under the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance and its subsidiary legislations.

Based on the principle of professional autonomy, the two boards regulate the professional conduct of registered MLTs and radiographers respectively, to ensure the quality of medical laboratory testing and radiological diagnosis or therapeutic services.

Anyone who wishes to practise as an MLT or a radiographer in Hong Kong must register with the respective board.

The statement made it clear that it is an offence for anyone to practise as an MLT or radiographer without being registered in that profession. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The department reiterated that according to the Codes of Practice issued by the two boards, no registered MLT or radiographer should perform any laboratory tests for medical diagnosis or treatment, or perform any diagnostic imaging on humans in the absence of a referral from healthcare professionals such as a registered medical practitioner or dentist.

Members of the public can access the lists of registered healthcare professionals at the websites of the respective boards or councils.

​If any misconduct by a registered healthcare professional is suspected, people can lodge complaints with the respective boards or councils.