Mong Kok health check centre faces investigation over professional standards

Authorities reinforce healthcare regulatory rules after suspected medical ordinance violation.

The Department of Health will pursue follow-up actions against a Mong Kok private health check centre for possibly violating the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance, adding that it has referred the case to the police for further investigation.

The department's statement came amidst reports questioning the quality and professional qualifications of private health check centre personnel.

The department reiterated that professional registration and regulation of various healthcare professionals are handled by their respective boards or councils following relevant legislation.

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Under the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance, the Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) Board and the Radiographers Board regulate registered MLTs and radiographers, respectively, to ensure the quality of medical laboratory testing and radiological diagnosis or therapeutic services. 

Those who want to get into these professions in Hong Kong must register with the respective board. Otherwise, they may face a fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for six months. 

The department also noted the importance of the Codes of Practice issued by the two boards. These state that registered professionals should refrain from conducting laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging without a referral from licensed healthcare practitioners such as medical practitioners or dentists.

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