Clinics must obtain license by end of next year

The government says that by the end of next year, clinics must obtain a license; failure to do so is illegal, with a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.

The Health Bureau says that 80% of clinics have already applied.

Documents submitted to the Legislative Council indicated that as of this month, the Department of Health has received over 3,800 applications for clinic licenses and exemptions for small practice clinics, and it estimates that approximately 80% of clinics have submitted applications, and the department has signed for 3,000 applications.

The department said it will not tolerate the illegal provision of medical services; from 2021 to last year, there were 46 convictions for practicing medicine illegally.