Concern group complains new policy discriminates against local men with mainland wives
Many local husbands of mainland women would be forced into heavy debt to pay for the increased obstetric fees charged to mainlanders, a concern group said yesterday.
It also said it was unfair for the government to continue allowing mainland wives of Hong Kong civil servants to enjoy obstetric services at a fee of as low as HK$49 a day, while the mainland wives of ordinary Hong Kong men had to pay HK$39,000 when they booked the services of a local hospital.
Civil servants and their families receive free medical advice and treatment under the Civil Service Regulations. But they have to pay the hospital maintenance fee, ranging from HK$49 a day for an Asian diet in public beds to HK$304 for first-class beds in public hospitals.
From February 1, the Hospital Authority raised fees for obstetric packages to HK$39,000 for non-local expectant mothers, which covers a confirmed booking certificate, antenatal checks, delivery and three days in hospital.
Lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan of the Confederation of Trade Unions said the difference in medical charges for obstetric services had exposed the unfairness of the new booking system, which was designed to ensure sufficient obstetric resources for local mothers.
'Civil servants are enjoying the privileges while other Hong Kong men who married mainland women are suffering from discrimination,' he said.
