Service study: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow and Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee meet the press after an interdepartmental meeting.

A study will be launched to ensure services for local expectant mothers are sufficient, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says. The Director of Immigration can reject people entering Hong Kong if their intention for visiting the city is suspicious.

Speaking after an inter-departmental meeting today, Dr Chow said public hospital obstetric services can cope with demand. The study will see whether additional resources are needed to maintain this service level.

Different options will be explored with a view to cutting the number of Mainland women giving birth in local public hospitals. Measures will also be devised to curb those coming to Hong Kong without proper antenatal check-ups.

Dr Chow said the Hospital Authority will announce more detailed measures after its Board of Directors meeting next week.

Immigration measures

Meanwhile, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said the Director of Immigration can reject people entering Hong Kong if their intention for visiting the city is suspicious. The Government will discuss the issue with Mainland authorities.

When asked if the Government will seek legal interpretation from the National People's Congress, Mr Lee said this is something serious and sensitive, adding the Government will not do so without careful consideration.