The abrupt closure of a medical company specialising in body checks and inoculations has prompted the government to set up an inter-departmental dedicated task force to follow up on the matter.

The Consumer Council said it has received 157 complaints over HK$1 million worth of unfulfilled contracts as of 4pm Friday.

Customs said they also received 295 complaints, and vowed to take enforcement action shall anyone breach the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Both of Alliance Medical Group's outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui and Sha Tin were shut on Friday, catching some customers who made appointments by surprise.

Many said they came to try their luck after no one picked up the phone.

Among those who showed up at the Tsim Sha Tsui clinic was Mr Zhou, a visitor from Shenzhen who booked a slot for his second HPV vaccine.

"When I made the appointment in April, they didn't inform me that they would cease operations."

Ms Dan, also from Shenzhen, was meant to get her third and final HPV shot on Friday.

She described the phone conversation with a staff member last week as "completely normal", with no signs of irregularities.

"Each person paid around HK$3,500... I'll file a report in Shenzhen and continue fighting for my rights," she told RTHK.

"If they've gone out of business, then they should either arrange for us to get the shots at another location or refund our money."

Another customer, Ms Kwok, revealed that staff members in a WhatsApp chat group have not responded to customer queries since Tuesday.

The government confirmed on Friday night its inter-departmental task force will render assistance to affected customers.

The team comprises representatives from the Security Bureau, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Customs, Police, the Department of Health and the Consumer Council.

Health authorities said Alliance Medical Group is not a licensed operator under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance.

Officials are now actively taking forward the regulatory work on clinics, with a target to accept applications from the fourth quarter of this year.
_____________________________
Last updated: 2025-05-02 HKT 22:10