Hospital, travel firm push medical tours

Union Hospital and Dragonair Holidays have joined forces to promote Hong Kong as a destination for medical tourists.

According to a joint announcement yesterday, the scheme is aimed at luring affluent mainlanders to visit Hong Kong for medical checkups.

The pioneering venture between the private hospital in Tai Wai, Sha Tin, and the subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways will offer packages that include a half-day medical checkup at the private hospital plus air tickets, hotel, transportation and a half-day sightseeing tour around Hong Kong Island organized by the airline.

A doctor's report on the medical status of the person will be included.

The cost of the four- and five-day packages ranges from about HK$6,760 to HK$12,570 a person, depending on the departure location and season.