Leading British insurance firm Bupa removes list of ‘unrecognised’ Hong Kong healthcare providers following outcry
- The ‘Unrecognised Providers in Hong Kong’ list by Bupa included nephrologist, dermatologist, orthopaedist, general practitioner and clinic
- ‘That list has caused public misunderstanding on my professional qualification and medical conduct, and seriously harmed my profession and personal reputation,’ doctor says
A leading British health insurance company has made a U-turn and removed from its website a list of “unrecognised” healthcare providers in Hong Kong after affected medical practitioners expressed shock and regret.
Bupa made the decision earlier this week after the list, titled “Unrecognised providers in Hong Kong”, sparked concern among doctors, who said the firm did not set clear criteria for medical standards.
The list, now taken out, included a nephrologist, dermatologist, orthopaedist and general practitioner. A clinic affiliated with the dermatologist was also included.
Bupa put on the list several healthcare providers who “did not meet [its] standards” and said it would not cover treatment costs.
It remained unclear when the list was published, but it drew the attention of the medical community after a local media report last week.
“Our ‘de-recognised list’ for international customers with an International Private Medical Insurance policy has been removed pending ongoing review,” the company said in a reply to the Post late on Tuesday.