The Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA) is facing strong backlash and urgent appeals to suspend a controversial new policy that introduces administrative charges for storing bodies in public hospital mortuaries. Effective January 1, 2026, the move shifts storage from a fully free service to a tiered fee structure, drawing immediate criticism from legislators and the funeral industry regarding transparency and the potential financial burden on grieving families.
The new charging system stipulates that the first three days of storage will remain without charge. However, daily fees begin on day four at HK$100, escalating to HK$200 after day 17, and then sharply increasing to HK$550 per day from day 34 onward. This significant administrative adjustment, announced during a Legislative Council recess, has sparked widespread concern over insufficient advance notice and stakeholder consultation.
Lawmakers Demand Policy Suspension and Justification
Election Committee lawmaker Doreen Kong has publicly urged the Health Bureau to step in and suspend the implementation, arguing that the HA failed to adequately brief key stakeholders, including the Legislative Council, frontline staff, and the funeral sector, before unveiling the plan.
Kong stressed that temporary storage in a hospital mortuary following a person’s death is widely regarded as a basic, essential service, particularly as families often have limited immediate alternatives. She criticized the timing of the rollout during a period of economic strain and questioned whether the government had truly tested public opinion or considered the financial impact on households already coping with funeral expenses.
“While the Hospital Authority can implement administrative changes without formal LegCo approval, that does not give the government license to stretch its powers without heeding public sentiment,” Kong stated, calling for a detailed presentation to the next Legislative Council session. This presentation, she contended, must justify the introduction of fees and the specific criteria used to set each price tier.
Capacity Concerns and Previous Recommendations
The move to introduce charges follows earlier recommendations by the Ombudsman. Last year, a direct investigation into post-death public services—involving the HA, the Department of Health, and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department—underscored the need for increased mortuary capacity amid Hong Kong’s growing and aging population.
At the time, the HA acknowledged the need to review usage and expand storage facilities but also indicated it would explore administrative tools, such as fees or time limits, to improve turnover. Crucially, the Authority had previously pledged to consult stakeholders and balance operational efficacy with compassion for families.
Lawmakers remain unconvinced that comprehensive engagement occurred. Kong requested utilization data to demonstrate the necessity and proportionality of the new charging regime. She called for a short deferral until January, allowing relevant bodies like the Health Services Panel to properly examine the measure.
Industry Calls for Extended Grace Period
The funeral industry has also weighed in, urging the government to extend the initial no-charge period. Industry representatives pointed out that the current three-day grace period is often insufficient to complete necessary administrative processing, such as obtaining official death certificates and securing cremation slots, which can face further delays due to public holidays.
Some industry proposals suggested extending the tiered fee structure, with charges only commencing after three to four weeks. They also called for parallel investments in additional storage capacity and the development of accessible, small-scale farewell venues adjacent to public hospitals.
HA Details Hardship Waivers
In response to concerns, the Hospital Authority confirmed that mechanisms for financial hardship waivers are in place. These waivers include exemptions for individuals covered by the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or Old Age Living Allowance schemes. Furthermore, those covered by existing medical fee waivers may apply for full or partial fee relief. Charges will also not apply when a body is retained under the Coroner’s direction for post-mortem investigations.
Despite these assurances, critics maintain that pausing the policy is essential for facilitating a more transparent, data-led public dialogue on how best to balance operational capacity, compassionate care, and administrative costs.