Alliance Medical Group closure sparks outrage and government action

The unexpected closure of Alliance Medical Group's medical centers in Tsim Sha Tsui and Sha Tin left many customers, who had pre-purchased various vaccination packages, stranded and suspicious of fraud. The incident has triggered a swift governmental response, including the formation of a multi-departmental task force to address the grievances of affected consumers and maintain public trust in healthcare services.

Alliance Medical Group, a private healthcare provider known for its comprehensive range of infant and adult vaccination packages, did not open its doors as usual today, causing confusion and anger among its clients. Many of these clients had secured their vaccination plans through a recent exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, only to find themselves locked out without prior notice.

The closure has led to a flurry of complaints, with affected customers filing reports at various police stations, including Cheung Sha Wan, Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon City, and Tsim Sha Tsui. The majority of the complaints concern infant vaccination packages, raising concerns about potential fraud.

In response, the government has swiftly set up a task force comprising officials from the Security Bureau, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Hong Kong Customs, Hong Kong Police Force, Department of Health (DH), and the Consumer Council. This team is dedicated to investigating the closures and supporting those impacted.

As the situation unfolds, the Consumer Council has received 157 complaints, while Customs and police have documented a total of 312 reports related to the incident. The Council has called on the management of Alliance Medical Group to provide a clear statement regarding their operational status and any future plans to address consumer worries.

Moreover, the DH has expressed its concern and is offering free vaccinations for eligible children under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) at all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs). This initiative covers vaccinations against 12 significant communicable diseases for children up to five years old.

The DH also plans to refer any cases of professional misconduct by registered medical practitioners involved with the closed facilities to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for further action. Additionally, the affected facilities will be temporarily removed from the Primary Care Directory, the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, and the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme to ensure the integrity and safety of public health services.