Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority (HA) has significantly revised its proposal to introduce daily storage fees at public hospital mortuaries following widespread public criticism. Originally slated to begin next year, the administrative overhaul aimed to manage capacity and turnover but quickly drew scrutiny for potentially burdening grieving families.
The government, via Secretary for Health Professor Lo Chung-mau, announced today that the HA will extend the initial free storage period from a proposed three days to a new limit of 28 days. This substantial concession seeks to balance the HA’s operational demands with community expectations and the practical needs of arranging post-death services. The adjusted policy is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The Original Fee Structure and Public Reaction
The initial fee proposal was part of a broader review of HA administrative charges, designed to replace the fully free long-term storage system. The original tiered structure included:
- Three days free of charge.
- HK$100 per day starting from day four.
- HK$200 per day from day 18.
- HK$550 per day beginning on day 34.
This timeline immediately sparked concern among lawmakers, industry professionals, and bereaved families. Critics argued that three days was insufficient time to complete the necessary documentation, death registration, and secure cremation slots—processes often delayed by public holidays or administrative backlogs.
Legislative voices, including Election Committee lawmaker Doreen Kong, questioned the HA’s decision to announce the policy during a legislative recess without prior consultation with key stakeholders, such as frontline staff, the funeral sector, and the Legislative Council. Ms. Kong advocated for the Health Bureau to intervene, pause the scheme, and request detailed justification for the fees and their tiered basis from the Hospital Authority.
Addressing Capacity and Consultation Gaps
The push for administrative changes comes in the wake of recommendations from the Ombudsman, who previously investigated public services related to post-death arrangements. Given Hong Kong’s aging population and increasing demand, the Ombudsman’s report stressed the need for regular reviews of mortuary utilization and timely expansion of storage capacity in both public and hospital facilities.
The HA had previously indicated it would consider administrative tools, including time limits or fees, to improve mortuary turnover, alongside plans to increase physical capacity. However, critics like Ms. Kong maintained that thorough engagement with the community had not occurred. She stressed that temporary storage is a fundamental service when a patient dies within a public hospital and argued that the timing of introducing fees during economic uncertainty showed a lack of consideration for household financial pressures.
Industry stakeholders echoed these concerns, recommending a grace period of three to four weeks before fees apply. They also suggested linking any fees to increased investment in storage facilities and the provision of small farewell venues adjacent to public hospitals.
Waivers and Exemptions for Financial Hardship
While the 28-day extension is a major policy shift, the HA maintains that mechanisms are in place to support financially vulnerable families. The adjusted policy confirms that charges will be fully waived for deceased persons covered by social assistance programs, such as the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) or Old Age Living Allowance.
Furthermore, existing medical fee waiver approvals may translate into full or partial relief for mortuary charges. No fees will apply when bodies are held under the direction of the Coroner for necessary post-mortem procedures.
The move to extend the free storage period to 28 days represents a significant attempt by the Hospital Authority to mollify public sentiment and create a policy that is both operationally viable and sensitive to the challenges facing grieving families during an already difficult process. This adjustment ensures families have nearly a month to navigate complex regulatory requirements without incurring immediate financial penalties.