Fury as second doctor held over vaccine certs

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki has strongly condemned doctors who issued false vaccine exemption certificates to people, saying they are "selfish," harm the community and obstruct economic recovery.

Chan's condemnation came soon after the arrest of a 76-year-old doctor, Tai Kong-shing, and his three clinic staff for allegedly providing, over a period of at least three months, exemption certificates for Covid-19 jabs without holding medical consultations.

The four were arrested on Tuesday following complaints, with officers raiding the clinic in Yau Ma Tei and seizing 193 exemption certificates along with HK$1.87 million in cash in the clinic and at his home.

Police alleged Tai charged between HK$4,000 and HK$5,000 each for the certificates, which allow them to enter vaccination-required premises such as restaurants and malls without the need for vaccine jabs.

Officers conducted an undercover sting operation on Tuesday night after receiving tip-offs about some doctors in Yau Ma Tei allegedly issuing vaccine exemption certificates without proper diagnoses. The doctor was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to make false instruments.

Chan berated those who bought the certificates, saying they are just as guilty as the doctor. He said the government will spare no effort in putting the city back on track but will also need public cooperation to succeed.

Alan Chung Nga-lun, superintendent of crime at Kowloon West regional headquarters, said it is believed that people learned of the certificates through word of mouth and the force would continue to track down people who bought them.

He said the doctor has issued at least 2,000 certificates and earned more than HK$10 million.

Chung said the force attaches great importance to such cases. "Some professionals abused the power the law has given them and put public health in jeopardy for their own benefits."

On September 5 a doctor was arrested in Yuen Long for allegedly issuing such certificates as well for HK$500 each.

Annie Choi Suk-mui, 64, was alleged to have issued more than 6,000 certificates without proper diagnoses and gotten HK$3 million. She has been allowed bail and is required to report back with the police early next month.

Legislative Council member Yeung Wing-kit suggested hotlines be set up for people to report any suspicious activities and called on the Centre for Health Protection to track down people who had bought the certificates and re-evaluate their health condition.

The possession or issuance of false instruments is a serious crime that is punishable with up to 14 years in prison.