If opening up the mainland health care market under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (Cepa) is a present from Beijing to Hong Kong medical service providers, it is a gift voucher that has yet to be redeemed. Since the first generation of Cepa, introduced in 2005, allowed Hong Kong doctors and dentists to practise up north, those who have tried to exploit the new opportunity have struggled with red tape, an information blackout and investor disinterest.
Some have shelved plans because of a sudden change in policies; some failed to get professional indemnity protection; while others fear what could happen in the event of a medical legal case.
That is why there were no big cheers from local practitioners when the latest Cepa deal with Guangdong - allowing Hong Kong doctors and dentists to practise solo in the province without having to sit a mainland licensing examination - was announced in July.
Instead, a wait-and-see attitude prevails, until details of how the system will work emerge.
The latest economic pact, effective from January, will permit Hong Kong doctors and dentists to set up wholly owned outpatient clinics in Guangdong with no minimum investment requirement. The practitioners are also exempted from sitting the mainland examination and obtaining medical practitioner qualification certificates through accreditation.
The previous Cepa arrangement required a minimum joint-venture investment of 10 million yuan (HK$11.3 million). The response was poor.
Medical Association president Tse Hung-hing said most Hong Kong doctors had snubbed Cepa because of uncertainties and risks. The key concern was the legal liabilities.