Hong Kong’s public hospital mortuaries will introduce tiered storage fees starting January 1, 2026, pivoting to a revised policy that extends the initial grace period for families. This strategic adjustment by the Hospital Authority (HA) aims to improve capacity management and prevent recurrent overcrowding, driven partly by a significant increase in public hospital deaths over the past two decades.
The new charging framework establishes a generous 28-day free storage period, a substantial extension from the previously mooted three-day limit. Beginning on the 29th day, a daily fee of HK$200 will apply, escalating to HK$550 per day from the 36th day onward. The HA confirmed that this user-pays approach is designed to curb prolonged storage while providing robust exemptions for families facing financial distress or unique circumstances.
Addressing Acute Demographic Pressures
The decision follows sustained capacity strain across the territory’s public healthcare system. Dr. Michael Wong, Director (Quality and Safety) at the HA, highlighted the challenging demographic shifts. Deaths occurring in public hospitals surged by 28%, rising from 32,000 in 2007 to 41,000 in 2024. While mortuary capacity expanded by 124% during the same period—from 1,500 spaces to 3,360—this expansion has not kept pace with demand.
Earlier in 2024, the utilization rate at several hospital mortuaries repeatedly exceeded 100%, peaking at 13 facilities operating beyond full capacity between February and May.
Dr. Wong indicated that the revised 28-day grace period addresses current usage patterns effectively. “The current median storage duration is three weeks, with more than 80% of cases concluded within 28 days,” he stated. Under the new arrangements, officials anticipate that fewer than 10% of cases will incur any storage fees.
Fee Waivers Ensure Equitable Access
A critical component of the policy is a targeted exemption mechanism designed to safeguard vulnerable families. The HA confirmed that eligibility for a full fee waiver is tied to the deceased’s status.
Key criteria for fee exemption include:
- Social Assistance: Individuals who were receiving social assistance benefits during their lifetime qualify for an automatic waiver.
- Coroner’s Cases: Cases subject to legal proceedings, such as those requiring action by the Coroner’s Court, will be fully exempt, recognizing the delays are not within the family’s control.
- Financial Hardship: Families experiencing exceptional financial difficulties or unique circumstances are encouraged to apply for assistance directly through hospital staff.
Priscilla Poon Yee-hung, the Senior Manager (Allied Health/Medical Fee Assistance) of the HA’s Cluster Services Division, confirmed that hospitals will provide necessary support to steer families through the application process for these exemptions.
Proactive Management of Unclaimed Remains
The extended grace period emerged from extensive consultations earlier this year, involving patient groups, the funeral sector, and public feedback. The primary objective is to manage usage effectively and prevent mortuaries from exceeding full utilization.
For the rare instances where remains are stored longer than 28 days without known next of kin, hospitals have procedures in place to proactively contact relatives. Should no family be found, authorities will collaborate with relevant government departments to trace relatives. As a final measure, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will assume responsibility for handling any remains that remain unclaimed.
This new fee structure represents a significant step in the wider healthcare reform package for Hong Kong, prioritizing effective resource management while striving to ensure compassionate handling during periods of bereavement.