https://www.scmp.com/rss/316074/feed Elizabeth Cheung has been reporting on health for the Post's Hong Kong desk since 2014. She covers general medical news, breakthrough medical treatments and research, government policy and hospital blunders. Elizabeth has a master's in development studies. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung The only cinema in the Ma On Shan area has shut down, joining a wave of theatre closures in Hong Kong that began during the pandemic. Emperor Cinemas announced on Monday that its branch in MOSTown, a shopping centre in Ma On Shan, had ceased operations on the same day. No reason for the closure was given. “Thank you for your support. Emperor Cinemas (Ma On Shan) will cease operations from January 12, 2026,” the company said in a social media post. The group said all movie vouchers and coupons... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339550/hong-kongs-ma-shan-loses-its-only-cinema-amid-wave-theatre-closures?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3339550/hong-kongs-ma-shan-loses-its-only-cinema-amid-wave-theatre-closures?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:37:05 +0000 Susan Su,Elizabeth Cheung Susan Su,Elizabeth Cheung Most patients visiting Hong Kong emergency departments at public hospitals at night for minor ailments were not aware they could go to evening clinics instead, although securing a booking was difficult and multiple calls were needed before a successful slot could be confirmed. With a new fees regime in public hospitals beginning on Thursday, authorities aimed to divert less urgent cases away from accident and emergency (A&E) departments, encouraging patients to visit public clinics for minor or... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338606/most-patients-hong-kong-ae-departments-unaware-evening-clinics-alternative?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338606/most-patients-hong-kong-ae-departments-unaware-evening-clinics-alternative?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Jan 2026 07:28:48 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Concern groups have called for a more concrete timeline and clearer details in an updated action plan for Hong Kong’s biodiversity strategy, which for the first time lists assessing the capacity of ecotourism hotspots as a priority. The government on Wednesday unveiled its updated Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, which covers four strategic areas – nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building and collaborative partnering. It lists 30 priority actions and 81... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338339/groups-welcome-updated-hong-kong-biodiversity-plan-call-more-details?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3338339/groups-welcome-updated-hong-kong-biodiversity-plan-call-more-details?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 01:30:17 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to improve livelihoods, put public housing projects on the fast track and foster growth in innovation and technology (I&T) in the new year. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also described 2025 as a year full of challenges but also one that showcased perseverance. Lee made his pledges in his annual New Year’s speech, which was uploaded to his social media account on Wednesday night. “We will focus on two key objectives. First, to enhance livelihoods and well-being,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3338344/hong-kong-leader-vows-boost-livelihoods-fast-track-housing-projects-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3338344/hong-kong-leader-vows-boost-livelihoods-fast-track-housing-projects-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:34:06 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Genomic sequencing has helped Hong Kong identify the right treatments for cancer patients more quickly, according to an expert who also suggested that the city could be a “super-linker” between mainland China and the rest of the world in drug development. Aya El Helali, a clinician-scientist in medical oncology at the University of Hong Kong, praised how collaboration within the Greater Bay Area had opened up opportunities to run clinical trials faster and at lower costs – factors that appealed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3337799/genomic-sequencing-puts-hong-kong-forefront-cancer-care-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3337799/genomic-sequencing-puts-hong-kong-forefront-cancer-care-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 01:00:14 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A Hongkonger was killed in an avalanche at a popular skiing destination in northwestern mainland China last week, the Post has learned, with city authorities offering support to the victim’s family. A source on Tuesday said the victim, whose death was announced by tourism authorities in Kanas, northern Xinjiang, was a Hong Kong resident. In a reply to the Post, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department said that a request for assistance had been received. The Hong Kong government’s office in Beijing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337542/avalanche-ski-resort-northern-xinjiang-kills-hongkonger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337542/avalanche-ski-resort-northern-xinjiang-kills-hongkonger?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:49:06 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Denise Tsang Elizabeth Cheung,Denise Tsang Hong Kong authorities are seeking to dissolve the management committee of the Wang Fuk Court owners’ corporation and appoint a new administrator for the residential estate, in an unprecedented move following the city’s deadliest fire in decades. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said on Friday that the government was intervening for the first time on record in an estate’s affairs by applying to the Lands Tribunal to dissolve the management committee of the owners’... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337085/hong-kong-fire-authorities-seek-dissolve-wang-fuk-court-owners-committee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337085/hong-kong-fire-authorities-seek-dissolve-wang-fuk-court-owners-committee?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:03:27 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Lam Ka-sing Elizabeth Cheung,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong police have arrested one suspect after four armed men robbed the staff of a currency exchange shop of 1 billion yen (US$6.4 million). The force said it received a report at 9.06am on Thursday from a staff member who, together with a colleague, was robbed of yen worth nearly HK$50 million at 181 Queen’s Road Central near Grand Millennium Plaza in Sheung Wan. The four knife-wielding robbers fled in a westward direction along Queen’s Road Central after the theft. Police later found a car... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336860/1-arrested-after-currency-exchange-staff-robbed-1-billion-japanese-yen-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3336860/1-arrested-after-currency-exchange-staff-robbed-1-billion-japanese-yen-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:20:39 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Jeffie Lam Elizabeth Cheung,Jeffie Lam Former Hong Kong commerce minister Gregory So Kam-leung has died at the age of 67. It was understood that So, a lawyer by profession who served as the city’s secretary for commerce and economic development between 2011 and 2017, had suffered a stroke two months ago and was in hospital in Singapore before he died on Saturday morning. He oversaw a number of thorny issues during his tenure, including broadcast regulation, intellectual property protection and a controversial bid for a free-to-air... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336311/hong-kongs-former-commerce-minister-gregory-so-kam-leung-dead-67?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336311/hong-kongs-former-commerce-minister-gregory-so-kam-leung-dead-67?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Dec 2025 04:34:39 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,William Yiu Elizabeth Cheung,William Yiu Hong Kong will hold the Apec finance ministers’ meeting in October next year for the first time when China plays host to the regional economic forum. City authorities revealed the news on Friday afternoon, confirming an earlier Post report, and said that the treasury minister would lead the task force coordinating planning for the event. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that the 33rd Apec economic leaders’ meeting would be held in Shenzhen next year. The foreign affairs... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336205/hong-kong-host-apec-finance-ministers-meeting-november-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3336205/hong-kong-host-apec-finance-ministers-meeting-november-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:43:04 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A “Hong Kong model” being developed by the city’s first Chinese medicine hospital that integrates traditional and Western practices will be easier for overseas institutions to adopt, offering a niche for promoting such treatments worldwide, experts have said. With the opening of the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong on Thursday, a German facility that earlier signed an agreement with the new institution told the Post that the two sides were exploring potential areas of collaboration and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3336126/why-hong-kong-model-combining-chinese-and-western-medicine-could-go-global?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3336126/why-hong-kong-model-combining-chinese-and-western-medicine-could-go-global?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:30:09 +0000 Emily Hung,Elizabeth Cheung Emily Hung,Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s first hospital offering Chinese medicine services opened its doors on Thursday, with its subsidised general outpatient services already fully booked for the first month. The flagship facility, located on Pak Shing Kok Road in Tseung Kwan O, is not only a healthcare service provider but also a training and research hub tasked with facilitating collaborations and helping Chinese medicine services go global. Here’s what you need to know about the hospital. 1. What services are... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3336123/what-you-need-know-about-services-hong-kongs-chinese-medicine-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3336123/what-you-need-know-about-services-hong-kongs-chinese-medicine-hospital?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:51:38 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital has opened its doors to patients, with subsidised general outpatient services for the first month fully booked, prompting the facility to add extra slots to meet demand. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong, located in Tseung Kwan O, aims to provide services for more complex cases under a model that features Chinese medicine as the primary approach, integrated with Western medicine. “We hope to bring the development of Chinese medicine in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3336003/hong-kongs-first-chinese-medicine-hospital-opens-first-month-quotas-fully-booked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3336003/hong-kongs-first-chinese-medicine-hospital-opens-first-month-quotas-fully-booked?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:27:29 +0000 Vivian Au,Elizabeth Cheung Vivian Au,Elizabeth Cheung A scaffolding net sample from a large Hong Kong housing estate produced flaming droplets and ignited a fire in a lab experiment despite passing the authorities’ safety standards, a test commissioned by the Post has found. The findings have prompted calls from experts to review the standards set for the nets and improve the existing safety regulations targeting scaffolding on renovation sites. Soon after the inferno at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26, the Post collected net samples from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3335498/post-test-finds-hong-kong-scaffold-net-sample-igniting-despite-passing-safety-standards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3335498/post-test-finds-hong-kong-scaffold-net-sample-igniting-despite-passing-safety-standards?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Dec 2025 09:00:10 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A man has been arrested after allegedly attacking and killing his wife with a knife and trying to set fire to their home in northwestern Hong Kong. Police said they received a report of a flat fire and a person injured at 6.59am on Tuesday from security guards at On Ting Estate in Tuen Mun. First responders arrived at the flat in Ting Fuk House and put out a fire that covered about 11 sq ft, said Chief Inspector Patty Chong Yuen‑na of Tuen Mun police. The woman, a convenience shop worker, had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3334853/man-arrested-arson-murder-after-woman-found-injured-hong-kong-flat-dies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3334853/man-arrested-arson-murder-after-woman-found-injured-hong-kong-flat-dies?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:02:23 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung The government should take the lead in assessing the structural safety of the estate engulfed by Hong Kong’s worst fire in decades before deciding whether it should be restored or redeveloped, experts have said, warning of liability problems and a long road ahead. The future of Wang Fuk Court, where a massive fire raged through seven of its eight blocks for more than 43 hours before largely being put out, remains uncertain, with residents taking shelter or moving into temporary housing arranged... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334585/difficult-say-if-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-buildings-can-be-fixed-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334585/difficult-say-if-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-buildings-can-be-fixed-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Nov 2025 02:30:07 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Vivian Au,Ada Li Elizabeth Cheung,Vivian Au,Ada Li People from all walks of life in Hong Kong rallied in support of victims of the city’s deadliest fire in decades, with aid ranging from millions in cash donations by major business groups to grass roots efforts by civilians delivering essential supplies. The fire that erupted in seven blocks in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday, killing at least 83 people, left thousands of residents homeless and in need of daily supplies. “What happened on Wednesday night appeared to be such a large-scale... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334422/hongkongers-are-capable-deadliest-fire-decades-ignites-widespread-aid-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334422/hongkongers-are-capable-deadliest-fire-decades-ignites-widespread-aid-efforts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:25:32 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A Hong Kong university establishing the city’s third medical school has pledged to commit more than HK$7 billion (US$899 million) to the project and has already recruited six clinical professors, including a former head of an Australian institution. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Wednesday provided further details of its development plan, a day after the government revealed that the institution had been chosen to run the new medical school for its clear strategic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333386/hkust-pledges-invest-more-hk7-billion-third-medical-school-project?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333386/hkust-pledges-invest-more-hk7-billion-third-medical-school-project?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:32:55 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Edith Lin,Leopold Chen Elizabeth Cheung,Edith Lin,Leopold Chen The new medical school set to be run by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) should ride on the institution’s unique technological strengths and expand its capacity in clinical research to become a leading institution, experts and lawmakers have said. Their comments followed the government’s announcement on Tuesday that HKUST had emerged as the top choice to operate the city’s third medical school, taking its place alongside the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333324/what-experts-say-hong-kongs-new-medical-school-must-do-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3333324/what-experts-say-hong-kongs-new-medical-school-must-do-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:45:43 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Olga Wong Elizabeth Cheung,Olga Wong The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has won the bid to run the city’s third medical school, with officials saying the institution stood out by presenting a clear strategic position and financial plan, among other factors. The eight-month race officially ended on Tuesday, when the government announced that HKUST had been recommended by the Task Group on the New Medical School after it assessed proposals submitted in March by the institution, Baptist University, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3333198/hkust-operate-hong-kongs-third-medical-school-after-8-month-race-source?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3333198/hkust-operate-hong-kongs-third-medical-school-after-8-month-race-source?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:20:19 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A mutated influenza virus strain is spreading in Hong Kong, potentially reducing the vaccine’s ability to prevent infection, experts have said, as the city recorded its second child death of the current flu season. Health authorities said on Thursday that the latest death involved an 11-month-old boy. Earlier in the day, experts stressed that the jabs remain effective in protecting against serious complications from a genetically mutated influenza A (H3N2) virus strain that authorities said had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3332642/mutated-flu-strain-spreading-hong-kong-vaccines-remain-key-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3332642/mutated-flu-strain-spreading-hong-kong-vaccines-remain-key-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:29:42 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Malaysian media and timber tycoon Tiong Hiew King, who built a newspaper empire spanning Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and North America, has died aged 91. Media Chinese International, which owns the Chinese-language daily Ming Pao in Hong Kong, issued a notice on Tuesday announcing the death of its honorary chairman. “The board of directors of Media Chinese International Limited announces with deepest sadness that Tan Sri Datuk Sir Tiong Hiew King, a substantial shareholder and honorary chairman of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332451/malaysian-tycoon-tiong-hiew-king-owner-hong-kong-media-conglomerate-dead-91?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332451/malaysian-tycoon-tiong-hiew-king-owner-hong-kong-media-conglomerate-dead-91?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:38:58 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s Department of Health is under mounting pressure to explain its role in a 15-year delay in the handling of a complaint involving an alleged blunder that left a child disabled for life. Calls for answers intensified on Wednesday as the city’s ombudsman announced the launch of an investigation into the procedures and mechanisms employed by the secretariat under the department’s Boards and Councils Office in handling complaints related to alleged blunders and registration of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331598/hong-kongs-handling-medical-complaints-probed-after-15-year-case-delay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331598/hong-kongs-handling-medical-complaints-probed-after-15-year-case-delay?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:10:02 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung The debt-ridden Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre (CUHKMC) cut the prices of more than 1,000 service items, or around one-fifth of those available, this month to help attract more patients. The private hospital said on Monday that the price cuts ranged from 2 per cent to “double digits”, but declined to reveal the full percentage range, instead noting the move covered highly used services such as urology, ophthalmology, endoscopy, radiology and pathology. The move is part of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331367/cuhk-medical-centre-cuts-prices-1011-service-items-attract-patients?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331367/cuhk-medical-centre-cuts-prices-1011-service-items-attract-patients?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:41:53 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s first large-scale genome sequencing project has recruited more than 52,000 participants in about four years of operation, exceeding its original target, with the body behind it hoping to expand the scheme further to help more patients discover the causes of their undiagnosed diseases. The Hong Kong Genome Institute, a government-owned organisation that runs the Hong Kong Genome Project, said that more than three-quarters of participants had experienced positive treatment changes... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331222/hong-kongs-large-scale-genome-sequencing-project-recruits-52000-4-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3331222/hong-kongs-large-scale-genome-sequencing-project-recruits-52000-4-years?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Nov 2025 02:00:25 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong patients enrolled in government subsidised healthcare services will be able to buy medicines under a specific list of drugs at prices much lower than market rates when a new initiative launches late next year. The Health Bureau also said on Thursday that the Community Pharmacy Programme, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, would first roll out in four districts – Eastern, Yau Tsim Mong, Sha Tin and Yuen Long. The Community Drug Formulary – a list of medicines commonly used in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3330957/hongkongers-get-greater-access-cheaper-medicines-under-specific-list-drugs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3330957/hongkongers-get-greater-access-cheaper-medicines-under-specific-list-drugs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:14:07 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung The late “Benz Hung” Hui Shiu-hung might be best known in Hong Kong for his supporting roles in TV dramas and films over the past five decades, but his family came to play pivotal roles in China’s modern development. With celebrities and the public mourning Hui, who died on Tuesday at the age of 76 due to multiple organ failure caused by cancer, some also recalled his family’s colourful history. In an interview published last year, Hui revealed his ancestor was Xu Baiting, the most significant... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3330769/late-hong-kong-actor-benz-hung-hui-shiu-hungs-family-tied-chinas-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3330769/late-hong-kong-actor-benz-hung-hui-shiu-hungs-family-tied-chinas-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:18:34 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong liver cancer patient Mr Chan* said his tumour disappeared following a painless ultrasound treatment that felt similar to “taking a nap”. The 68-year-old retiree, who had been battling liver cancer since 2013, was among 26 patients who had received a histotripsy treatment conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong since April this year. “There was no pain at all. It was just like taking a nap,” Chan said. “I could be discharged the next day and lead a normal life afterwards. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3329813/hong-kongs-cuhk-eyes-wider-use-painless-liver-cancer-care-after-96-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3329813/hong-kongs-cuhk-eyes-wider-use-painless-liver-cancer-care-after-96-success?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2025 00:00:08 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Leopold Chen Elizabeth Cheung,Leopold Chen Outpatient services for Hong Kong’s first hospital dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will start at HK$180 (US$23.10) per visit, with the operator describing the fees as affordable. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong in Tseung Kwan O also said on Wednesday that staff recruitment had been smooth and there would not be any manpower shortages affecting its launch on December 11. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau was confident the facility would establish a new model for a TCM... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3329128/hong-kongs-first-tcm-hospital-sets-outpatient-fee-hk180-ahead-december-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3329128/hong-kongs-first-tcm-hospital-sets-outpatient-fee-hk180-ahead-december-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:26:15 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Veteran lawmakers Tommy Cheung Yu-yan and Chan Kin-por have announced that they will not run in December’s Legislative Council election, concluding their decades-long tenures in the legislature. Cheung and Chan revealed their decision on Saturday ahead of the nomination period, which begins on October 24, for the election scheduled for December 7. They join a growing number of Legco veterans who have declared they will not seek another term. Cheung, 76, who has been a lawmaker since 2000 and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3328630/veteran-hong-kong-lawmakers-tommy-cheung-and-chan-kin-por-step-down?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3328630/veteran-hong-kong-lawmakers-tommy-cheung-and-chan-kin-por-step-down?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Oct 2025 05:18:38 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu Elizabeth Cheung,Willa Wu The family of a child who was allegedly abused by a babysitter in Hong Kong has said they will soon run out of the money raised to pay for her treatments at a time when the severely brain-damaged girl is finally making improvements after daily intensive therapies. The child, known affectionately as “Little Suet-yee” and now 2½ years old, came to the public’s attention after she was suspected of being abused in late January last year by a 33-year-old babysitter recruited under a government-funded... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3328269/hong-kongs-little-suet-yee-recovering-medical-funds-nearly-gone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3328269/hong-kongs-little-suet-yee-recovering-medical-funds-nearly-gone?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:53:52 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong may renew efforts to boost organ donations by considering initiating discussions on an opt-out mechanism, Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin has revealed, stressing that the city’s transplant rate is lower than in many other developed economies. The Post takes a look at Hong Kong’s organ donation situation and whether an opt-out mechanism has helped to drive up rates elsewhere. 1. How does Hong Kong’s organ donation rate stack up? Hong Kong’s organ donation rate is among the lowest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3328040/can-opt-out-scheme-boost-hong-kongs-low-organ-donation-rate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3328040/can-opt-out-scheme-boost-hong-kongs-low-organ-donation-rate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:22:23 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Women diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age or at a more advanced stage have a higher risk of the disease spreading to other parts of the body upon recurrence, a Hong Kong study has found. Non-profit organisation the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation released its latest registry report on Monday and urged women to perform self-examinations monthly. The report included data from more than 26,000 patients diagnosed with breast cancer from 2006 onwards. Part of the report examined risk... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327254/spread-risk-higher-young-or-advanced-breast-cancer-cases-hong-kong-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327254/spread-risk-higher-young-or-advanced-breast-cancer-cases-hong-kong-study?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:09:28 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A cutting-edge machine donated by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, which can destroy cancerous cells with ultrasound waves, has been included in a government list of approved medical devices, paving the way for wider use of the technology in public hospitals. The Hospital Authority said in a response to the Post that it would also consider other factors, such as quality and safety standards, before using the machines in public health facilities. The histotripsy medical device, given to the city’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326283/cancer-machine-donated-li-ka-shing-hong-kong-government-list-approved-devices?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326283/cancer-machine-donated-li-ka-shing-hong-kong-government-list-approved-devices?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 23:30:12 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Global warming and globalisation have significantly increased the number of imported dengue fever cases in Hong Kong, health experts have said, with annual infections rising from dozens to more than 100 in the past two decades. This rapid increase has occurred alongside a growing risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the city. So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded 22 imported chikungunya fever cases, a new high since the disease became notifiable in 2009, following an outbreak in neighbouring... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326263/global-warming-and-increased-travel-drive-surge-hong-kong-dengue-infections?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326263/global-warming-and-increased-travel-drive-surge-hong-kong-dengue-infections?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 01:00:22 +0000 Jess Ma,Ambrose Li,Elizabeth Cheung Jess Ma,Ambrose Li,Elizabeth Cheung A “highly dangerous” wartime bomb discovered in Hong Kong’s Quarry Bay on Friday was successfully disposed of at around noon on Saturday after a nine-hour effort. The defusing, which started at 2am after the evacuation of about 6,000 residents from 18 buildings near the Pan Hoi Street construction site where the bomb was found, took longer than expected due to heavy rain, police said. Hong Kong was hit by downpours from the early hours of Saturday until the afternoon because of Tropical... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3326230/hong-kong-authorities-clear-highly-dangerous-wartime-bomb-2pm-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3326230/hong-kong-authorities-clear-highly-dangerous-wartime-bomb-2pm-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Sep 2025 02:28:23 +0000 Cannix Yau,Elizabeth Cheung Cannix Yau,Elizabeth Cheung This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong readers now get 50 per cent off their first year of subscription until September 21, 2025. The Hong Kong Observatory has warned that the approaching Tropical Storm Ragasa, which could intensify into a super typhoon, may cause sea surges next week similar to levels triggered by the record-breaking Mangkhut in 2018. The weather forecaster, which... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3326228/hong-kong-lowers-typhoon-signal-no-1-saturday-storm-ragasa-edges-closer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3326228/hong-kong-lowers-typhoon-signal-no-1-saturday-storm-ragasa-edges-closer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Sep 2025 01:21:55 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung Hong Kong health authorities aim to introduce a fast-track approval mechanism for life-saving drugs that can treat severe or rare diseases, a move that could reduce the current system’s processing time by one-third. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said on Thursday that the fast-track arrangement could help to respond to health emergencies such as a pandemic where infections spread quickly. The minister was elaborating on health measures outlined in the latest policy address a day earlier. “The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326039/hong-kong-authorities-eye-fast-track-approval-option-life-saving-drugs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3326039/hong-kong-authorities-eye-fast-track-approval-option-life-saving-drugs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:53:10 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s leader has promised to assist local media organisations in expanding their networks beyond the city, while pledging not to interfere in their operations. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday made a rare move by mentioning assistance for the media in his policy address, and also later acknowledged the challenges facing the sector. “The government will assist the local media to expand their networks beyond Hong Kong, telling the good stories of Hong Kong,” he said in his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325898/hong-kongs-john-lee-promises-help-local-media-expand-networks-beyond-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325898/hong-kongs-john-lee-promises-help-local-media-expand-networks-beyond-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:13:58 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung,Olga Wong Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung,Olga Wong Hong Kong authorities will seek to further limit young children’s use of mobile digital devices, including social media access, by updating the city’s guidelines as part of health initiatives set to be unveiled in Wednesday’s policy address, the Post has learned. The planned review of the guidelines comes amid tightening controls in some countries on minors’ device usage and the ongoing trend of Hong Kong children having the highest myopia incidence rates globally, alongside a notable increase... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3325627/hong-kong-seeks-limit-childrens-digital-device-use-amid-rising-myopia-rates?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3325627/hong-kong-seeks-limit-childrens-digital-device-use-amid-rising-myopia-rates?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A Hong Kong woman has died after the car she was driving crashed into a truck near the border with mainland China. Police received a report at 4.55am on Saturday that the car heading to the border control point slammed into the truck, which was parked on the side of Man Kam To Road near Sha Ling Road in North district. The woman, 37, sustained serious head injuries and was declared dead at the scene by emergency personnel. The truck driver, 50, reported no injuries. Photos and footage from local... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325412/hong-kong-woman-dies-after-car-crashes-parked-truck-near-border?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325412/hong-kong-woman-dies-after-car-crashes-parked-truck-near-border?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Sep 2025 01:59:03 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong lawmakers have passed a controversial tobacco control bill that aims to further lower the city’s smoking rate, with the health minister saying the proposed measures have already considered a variety of opinions. The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill was passed on Thursday after the second and third readings, following a last-ditch effort by two lawmakers to delay and amend the government-proposed measures earlier this week. The bill was supported by 74 lawmakers, one opposed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3325210/hong-kong-lawmakers-pass-controversial-tobacco-control-bill-cut-smoking-rate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3325210/hong-kong-lawmakers-pass-controversial-tobacco-control-bill-cut-smoking-rate?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:20:29 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Wynna Wong Elizabeth Cheung,Wynna Wong Health experts have dismissed concerns about a Hong Kong government-subsidised flu vaccine that does not have clinical trial data on pregnant women, saying the decades-long technology is safe and people with less confidence can turn to the private sector for shots. Authorities said on Tuesday that Hong Kong had entered the summer flu season, a day after concerns were raised when the government revealed that the Sinovac influenza jab would be one of four vaccines offered in its vaccination... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324940/sinovac-flu-shots-safe-pregnant-women-hong-kong-health-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324940/sinovac-flu-shots-safe-pregnant-women-hong-kong-health-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:22:35 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A Hong Kong government-owned clinical trial institute will launch a study to examine the long-term health effects of the shingles vaccine in real-world settings, collaborating with a global pharmaceutical giant and a local university. The Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute, together with the University of Hong Kong’s medical school and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to mark their collaboration on the project. Professor Ian Wong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324902/hong-kong-launch-collaborative-study-long-term-effects-shingles-vaccine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324902/hong-kong-launch-collaborative-study-long-term-effects-shingles-vaccine?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:35:18 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong authorities aim to boost the flu vaccine coverage rate for the coming year by requiring schools to provide reasons for formally opting out of an outreach programme, and procure jabs for some family doctors to ensure a steady supply. The Department of Health on Monday unveiled the government’s plan to encourage more people to get flu jabs, with the latest seasonal vaccination programme to start on September 25. Dr Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, noted... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324778/hong-kong-schools-required-give-reasons-opting-out-flu-jab-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324778/hong-kong-schools-required-give-reasons-opting-out-flu-jab-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 12:11:39 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung The United States’ decision to cut funding for its global humanitarian programmes created a “domino effect” that affected other organisations, but Hong Kong can support international aid through research and donations, a key member of a major NGO has said. Dr Maria Guevara, international medical secretary of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), called for more collaborations between the city’s universities and global partners in researching areas such as climate change and emerging infectious... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3324651/hong-kong-can-fill-gap-humanitarian-aid-us-withdrawal-ngo-veteran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3324651/hong-kong-can-fill-gap-humanitarian-aid-us-withdrawal-ngo-veteran?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 08:45:05 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong authorities should step up efforts against illegal medical practices, the city’s largest political party has urged, after the organisation received about 100 complaints related to non-professionals allegedly offering pain relief services. Lawmaker Chan Wing-kwong of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) said on Friday that some of the services cost tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars – more expensive than the treatments provided by registered... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324494/hong-kong-should-crack-down-illegal-medical-practices-dab-party-urges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3324494/hong-kong-should-crack-down-illegal-medical-practices-dab-party-urges?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:51:18 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Ambrose Li,Danny Mok Elizabeth Cheung,Ambrose Li,Danny Mok Two public hospital doctors have been arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly accessing computers with criminal or dishonest intent as part of a suspected data leak. Police Superintendent Wong Yick-lung said on Monday that a 35-year-old associate consultant and a 57-year-old consultant, both from Tseung Kwan O Hospital, were arrested a day earlier in Fo Tan and Ho Man Tin, respectively. Officers confiscated computers and other electronic devices as part of the investigation, with the pair remaining... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3323850/2-hong-kong-public-hospital-doctors-arrested-over-patient-data-leak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3323850/2-hong-kong-public-hospital-doctors-arrested-over-patient-data-leak?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 01:19:31 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Patients labelled as allergic to penicillin – usually incorrectly – are three times more likely to develop a serious joint infection after knee surgery as they receive weaker antibiotics, a Hong Kong study has found, with researchers urging them to seek an evaluation especially before their operation. A team from the University of Hong Kong, which released the findings of the study on Wednesday, said that about 90 per cent of patients recorded as being allergic to the commonly used antibiotic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3322559/knee-surgery-patients-penicillin-allergy-face-higher-infection-risk-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3322559/knee-surgery-patients-penicillin-allergy-face-higher-infection-risk-study?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:17:27 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong’s private telehealth services are lacking transparency and guidance, the city’s consumer watchdog has found, calling on authorities to offer detailed guidelines and for the industry to specify qualified service providers. The Consumer Council released findings on Tuesday of a study that reviewed problems with the city’s telemedicine services, which have gained traction since the Covid-19 pandemic. While telehealth broadly refers to the provision of healthcare remotely through... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3322372/hong-kongs-telehealth-services-lack-transparency-and-guidance-consumer-watchdog?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3322372/hong-kongs-telehealth-services-lack-transparency-and-guidance-consumer-watchdog?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:12:23 +0000