Paper maternity leave certificates to be replaced with electronic versions from 24 April 2026 in Hong Kong

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• All electronic certificates will display an encrypted QR code for verification.
  
• Certificates will be automatically stored in the HA Go mobile application.
  
• Patients may print out the certificates where necessary.

Following the earlier digitalisation of medical certificates (commonly known as sick leave certificates) and attendance certificates, Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority (HA) will replace paper maternity/sick leave certificates and maternity leave certificates with digitally signed electronic versions from 24 April 2026.

Under the new arrangement, maternity/sick leave certificates issued by doctors, and maternity leave certificates issued by midwives, will be provided in electronic form with a digital signature, carrying the same legal effect as traditional manually signed paper certificates.

The digital certificates will include information such as the patient’s name, proof of pregnancy, expected date of confinement, and the recommended period of sick leave, etc.

All electronic certificates, including medical certificates, maternity/sick leave certificates, maternity leave certificates, and attendance certificates, will be automatically stored in the “Records” section of the HA Go mobile application. Patients may use these certificates for sick leave applications or as proof of consultation, and can print copies when necessary.

Each electronic certificate will contain an encrypted QR code for verification. By scanning the QR code in the upper right corner of the certificate, users will be directed to the eHealth Medical Certificate Verification Platform, allowing instant verification without the need to enter additional information.

A spokesperson for the HA said the digitalisation of medical, maternity leave, and attendance certificates marks an important milestone in the development of smart hospitals. The move is expected to reduce the risk of losing paper certificates, facilitate accessibility, and enhance the overall patient experience.

While printed copies of electronic certificates will remain available at this stage, the HA encouraged patients to opt for electronic certificates wherever possible going forward.

All images / Hospital Authority