Chris Infotainment

Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority (HA) has revised its plan to introduce charges for mortuary services in public hospitals following backlash, extending the free storage period from three to 28 days. The HA published a list of revised administrative fees on October 31, which will take effect next year. The changes include charges for mortuary storage, which is currently free in public hospitals. According to the initial announcement last month, only the first three days of storage would remain free, after which fees were to be applied, rising incrementally to as much as HK$550 from day 34. However, the HA said in a statement on Saturday that it would extend the free storage period to 28 days after “prudent consideration.” “This adjustment aims to alleviate public concerns, ensuring that the new charge arrangement achieves the goal of effective utilisation of public resources while reflecting care and compassion for bereaved families,” an HA spokesperson said. Under the revised fee ...

The Rise of Health Tourism in the UK More than half a million Britons are now traveling abroad annually for medical treatment, according to recent data. This trend is driven by the high costs of private healthcare in the UK and long waiting times for NHS procedures. The numbers have surged significantly over the past few years, with a 50% increase since 2022, reaching 523,000 patients last year. Popular Destinations for Medical Travel Turkey has become a top destination for British travelers seeking affordable cosmetic surgery, with over 40% of those who traveled abroad choosing this country. Other popular destinations include Poland, Romania, and Portugal. India is the only non-European country in the top ten, attracting 22,000 British patients. Personal Stories Behind the Trend Paul Seamons, a 66-year-old retiree from Norfolk, is one of many who have turned to overseas medical treatment. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis, he faced a long wait for a hip replacement through the NHS. T...