Retroactive Charging for Upgrades to Higher Ward Class

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the rationale for retroactive charging for upgrades to higher-class wards, especially when patients do not consume services and amenities of the higher-class wards before their upgrades; (b) whether retroactive charging applies to cases where patients downgrade to lower ward types; and (c) if not, why not.

This question has been addressed in my reply to Question No 1 for oral answer on the Order Paper for 7 May 2024. [Please refer to "Policy on Charging Patients who Choose Different Ward Classes for Different Hospital Stays", Official Report, 7 May 2024, Vol 95, Issue 135, Oral Answers to Questions section.]