Press Releases

SFH on non-local mothers giving birth in Hong Kong

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council Complex this morning (February 8):

Reporter: (on the number of Mainland mothers giving birth in Hong Kong)

Secretary for Food and Health: The number of Mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong this year, 2012, should be less than 2011. In 2011, we had about 43,000 Mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong. We expect there will be about 35,000 (Mainland women giving birth in Hong Kong) this year. So, there will be a drop of 15 to 20 per cent. It (the drop) is good because we have to reserve more space for local mothers. We expect there will be an increased number (of local mothers) because the number of marriages was increasing in the last few years as I think young people are more willing to establish their families. This is something that is quite encouraging. All in all, we need to ensure that the number of babies born in Hong Kong should be within our obstetrics and neonatal intensive care services' capacity. I think we will be able to achieve that in 2012.

Reporter: (on raising the charges for obstetrics services at public hospitals)

Secretary for Food and Health: We have a different thought. A lot of (non-local) people like to give birth to babies in Hong Kong and they have always established certain savings before they come over. It is important that the amount charged by both the public and private (medical sectors) should be similar so that they would not choose to come to the public hospitals. We will be negotiating and discussing with both the Hospital Authority as well as the private hospitals to see what type of level of charging is appropriate.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)



Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:44

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