In order to protect the health of our population, it is vital that the standard of health services are consistently maintained. The Director of Health will take up the role as the regulator to ensure quality in the health care sector. A comprehensive review on the statutory regulations in relation to the operation of clinics, use of medical facilities and equipment, and provision of medical service in general will be carried out. Our aim is to ensure that patients will receive quality health care at all times. You would probably agree with me that complaints can drive improvements.
Factors leading to complaints vary from case to case, however, there is always something to learn.
It can help identifying areas that need improvement and provide chances to give service and satisfaction to dissatisfied patients. The health care professions are committed to service improvement and we view complaints positively as opportunities to strengthen patients' support and confidence in health care services. Taking on the role as a regulator to ensure quality, I think the Department of Health is well-place to take the tasks forward to set up a complaint office to assist patients lodging complaints and conduct investigation. Moreover, the Department of Health will also be committed to ensure that the complaint process is user-friendly, transparent and fair. In sum, taking on board the above reform measures, the Department of Health will be transformed to become a partner of your health, an advocate for health, a regulator to ensure quality and your channel to voice dissatisfaction.