Huge hospital fees increases begin April 1

To jump by over 40% for a number of major services.

The Hospital Authority said accident and emergency services charges will increase from $570 to $990 or by 42%.

Specialist out-patient department charges will rise from $700 to $1,110 or by 57% and those for the general ward will increase from $3,300 to $4,680 or by 42%.

Non-eligible people are treated in public hospitals only under "life- or limb-threatening" situations and will be charged fees that have been set with a cost recovery principle and on an all-inclusive basis.

For private services in public hospitals, which are provided as a means for the public to access specialised expertise and facilities not generally available in the private sector, charges are set on the cost or market price, whichever is higher.