A Government spokesman today (June 14) advised members of the public to stay vigilant about some recent advertisements in newspapers and social media platforms by a Shenzhen dental organisation, claiming to distribute in Hong Kong a limited number of Hong Kong elderly health care vouchers, which should not be trusted and are unrelated to the Elderly Health Care Voucher of the Hong Kong Special Administrative (HKSAR) Government.

     The spokesman clarified that the dental organisation is not a listed medical institution under the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme. The advertisement attempted to confuse and deceptively use the term "health care vouchers" to attract customers. As a matter of fact, it is unrelated to the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) of the HKSAR Government. The spokesman strongly condemned the advertisement, which is suspected of misleading the public. The HKSAR Government has notified the relevant Mainland regulatory department and relevant newspapers. The Department of Health has also contacted the Police to follow up.

     The spokesman also reminded the public that the Health Bureau has announced the list of medical institutions under the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme in February, which includes seven medical institutions:

* The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou
* Nansha Division of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University in Nansha
* ZhongShan Chenxinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Zhongshan
* Dongguan Tungwah Hospital in Dongguan
* Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital in Shenzhen
* Shenzhen C.K.J Stomatological Hospital in Luohu District of Shenzhen
* Dental Bauhinia Specialty Service Center (Shenzhen)/Dental Bauhinia General Care Center (Shenzhen) in Futian District of Shenzhen
 
     Members of the public may browse the EHVS website (www.hcv.gov.hk) or call the EHVS hotline (2838 2311) for more information on the EHVS.

     The spokesman stressed that elderly persons should not trust any suspicious websites or unknown advertisements. Those who suspect that they have become victims of any fraudulent acts should contact the Police.

Ends/Friday, June 14, 2024
Issued at HKT 20:07

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