Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today said the Government will submit an amendment to the Medical Registration Ordinance to the Legislative Council’s Panel on Health Services for discussion in February to improve the complaint handling mechanism for the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK).

Speaking to media following a radio programme appearance this morning, Prof Lo said the Government takes delays in handling complaint cases and disciplinary hearings very seriously. 

He outlined that the Government requested that the MCHK provide a review of the mechanism as well as suggestions and recommendations for areas of improvement. After receiving the review report, the Government also sought additional information, both of which are now being evaluated.

The health chief said the Government has identified some areas that must be addressed and improved, adding that certain areas may require an amendment to the Medical Registration Ordinance.

Prof Lo emphasised that the MCHK hearing must ensure procedural justice, as they are judicial in nature and involve direct disputes between complainants and defendants. This requirement can lead to delays, as both sides must be granted reasonable time to present their information.

“We have to look into the details and address all these pressure points and delays, so that we will ensure that similar cases will not happen again,” he said.

He added that the Government is looking into every area. After submitting the amendment to the Panel on Health Services in February, it may then submit the amendment to the Legislative Council in April.