Doctors yesterday defended the practice of charging patients according to their means as a Hong Kong 'tradition', after it was revealed that charges for a hysterectomy ranged from $20,000 to $200,000.
They admitted they adopted a differential charging policy: a 'first-class' price for patients in exclusive private rooms, and lower bills for those in shared wards, even though patients may receive the same operation and treatment.
In most private hospitals, the same dressing or the same kind of injection vary between the first class and cheaper wards.
Dr Leong Che-hung, legislator representing the medical profession, said it was difficult to comment on whether the policy was right or wrong.
He said the first-class price was the standard rate, and doctors offered 'discounts' to those who could not afford the relatively luxurious services.
'It has been here for many years. It is a culture. I don't see a need for a change.
