Alliance Medical Group’s abrupt shutdown sparks 1,356 complaints

Hong Kong Customs and police have received 1,356 reports concerning the suspected closure of Alliance Medical Group's medical centers as of 5pm on Sunday and are arranging for affected individuals to provide statements.

The private healthcare provider, known for its comprehensive range of infant and adult vaccination packages, abruptly shut down its Tsim Sha Tsui and Sha Tin clinics without prior notice last Friday (May 2).

The Consumer Council has also logged 600 complaints as of 5pm yesterday (Sun), involving more than HK$3.39 million. Among these, the highest amount recorded in a single case is approximately HK$23,000, with an average amount of about HK$5,600 per case.

Authorities are investigating potential violations of unfair trade practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Meanwhile, medical and health services lawmaker David Lam Tzit-yuen emphasized on Monday that certain healthcare providers remain unregulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance and urged the government to clarify the regulatory framework.

Lam also advised the public to avoid prepaid medical services, highlighting concerns that some medical groups promote bundled healthcare packages without ensuring proper prescriptions.

(Judy Cui)