Read More
The Consumer Council warned of exaggerated medical conditions of local health check providers to promote sales as it has received over 160 complaints in the past three years.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The consumer watchdog recorded over 50 complaints related to body check service each year between 2022 and last year, with six cases reported just in January this year.
Complaints involved service providers allegedly exaggerating medical conditions and using high-pressure sales tactics, which is not in line with professional standards, the council said.
“The industry needs to improve its practices to restore consumer confidence and the right to be fully informed,” said the council as it published the latest CHOICE magazine on Monday.
Among three complaints the council received, one complainant reported paying HK$980 for a checkup package, during which the staff claimed the test results showed her cancer index was far above normal levels, pressuring the woman to undergo more expensive examinations.
However, upon consulting a family doctor, the woman was told the cancer index was actually within the normal range and the timing of the initial test during the menstrual cycle was inappropriate.
In another case, a consumer paid HK$7,800 for a gynecological checkup package.
The checkup center allegedly claimed the ultrasound report showed the woman had eight breast nodules and recommended additional testing.
However, when the consumer sought a second opinion at another facility, the report indicated there were only three similar nodules.
The council also shared another complaint where a man paid HK$500 for a basic health checkup package, during which the staff told him he had two liver cysts and recommended an additional cancer index test for HK$800.
However, a doctor later confirmed the cysts were benign and did not require further testing.
All three service centers agreed to refund all three complainants upon the council’s mediation.
(Ayra Wang)
