Future Cotai hospital management fee unconfirmed despite partnership set

The charges to be made by Peking Union Medical College Hospital for their management and branding at the future Cotai hospital have not yet been identified, a parliamentary committee has revealed.

Following a discussion with the government on a bill concerning the management of the future hospital, the Third Standing Committee of the parliament, led by president Vong Hin Fai, said further negotiations between the Beijing hospital and the local government will determine the price tags.

The local government will bear the costs.

The contract, however, was signed early this year. The Beijing hospital’s right of management will last 10 years, with a clause allowing automatic extension for another 10 years.

Reiterating its previous pledge, the government said staff for the future hospital will be recruited locally. Preparations have been made and over 100 nurses will conclude their training in time for the opening of the new hospital

Citing the government, Vong said the future public hospital will provide both public and private medical services. With the aim of public services predominating, private services will be offered on the former’s surplus.

Both types of services will be administered by the same medical team, Vong added.

The future hospital will have three levels of pricing. Eligible local residents referred by Health Centers will enjoy service either free-of-charge or at a “reasonable” price. Others will be charged on par with private medical services.

The government also told the committee the current public medical service law may be updated after 40 years of effect.