4 HK hospitals to admit pregnant non-local women

HONG KONG - Four private hospitals will admit pregnant non-local women married to Hong Kong men, the city's Secretary for Food & Health York Chow told the media Wednesday.

The women must prove their marital status by submitting documents to the hospitals. They include the marriage certificate issued by the local or Mainland authority, their husband's identity card, the declaration letter, and consent for verification by Mainland authorities if needed, Chow said.

It is an offense to make false declarations and present fake documents, he said, warning offenders face up to 14 years in prison.

The health chief estimated about 100 non-local women married to Hong Kong men will receive obstetric services in private hospitals until early next year.

Private hospitals will not admit pregnant non-local women married to non-local men from next year, he said.

He reiterated there is no plan to accept appointments by non-locals as he expects all obstetrics services at public hospitals will be reserved next year for Hong Kong women.