kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Secretary for Health to attend 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva
19.5.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, will depart for Geneva, Switzerland, today (May 19) to attend the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organization (WHO). Professor Lo will attend the 76th WHA on May 21 (Geneva time) as a member of the Chinese delegation. The theme of this year's Assembly is "WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all". The key discussions will cover the review of the WHO's work in health emergencies, including the International Health Regulations and strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies. A wide range of strategies and global actions on areas such as universal health coverage, primary healthcare, traditional medicine, infection prevention and control, substandard and falsified medicines, non-communicable diseases and mental health will also be discussed at the Assembly. Professor Lo will take the opportunity to exchange views on healthcare-related issues with senior officials of the WHO and other delegations. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, will accompany Professor Lo to attend the WHA in Geneva. They will return to Hong Kong on May 24. During Professor Lo's absence, the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, will be the Acting Secretary for Health.
Secretary for Health meets Parliamentary State Secretary to Federal Minister of Health of Germany (with photos)
18.5.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with a delegation led by the Parliamentary State Secretary to Federal Minister of Health of Germany Professor Edgar Franke today (May 18) to exchange views on issues of mutual concern, including the strengthening of primary healthcare and digitalisation of healthcare services. Professor Lo said, "Many economies around the world, including Hong Kong and Germany, are grappling with challenges of an ageing population. In face of the pressure brought about by the population change and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released the Primary Healthcare Blueprint in December 2022, setting out a series of reform initiatives to strengthen primary healthcare services in Hong Kong with a view to shift the emphasis of Hong Kong's healthcare system from its current treatment-oriented, hospital-based structure to a prevention-focused, community-based system. "Digitalisation is powering the future of healthcare. Over the years, the HKSAR Government has introduced and supported a variety of digital initiatives to improve patients' experiences, enhance the quality of healthcare services and empower people for self-management of health, including the Electronic Health Record Sharing System launched in 2016 and the "Smart Hospital" development of the Hospital Authority. We, together with our industry partners, will continue to strengthen efforts on this front in supporting the healthcare development of Hong Kong." Both parties have agreed to continue to strengthen co-operation and experience sharing, which will be beneficial to the international community at large. Accompanying Professor Lo at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; Deputy Secretary for Health Mr Sam Hui; and the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau.
Secretary for Health meets Mainland delegations of Municipal Health Commission (with photos)
17.5.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met the Director of the Office of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, Ms Bao Hua; Deputy Director of the Tianjin Municipal Health Commission Ms Han Xiaofen; Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Mr Yu Tao; and their delegations respectively today (May 17) to explore ways of strengthening co-operation in the area of healthcare. At the meetings, Professor Lo introduced to the delegations the latest healthcare developments in Hong Kong, while the delegations shared the experiences and achievements in healthcare developments in their respective municipalities. The attendees conducted in-depth exchanges on areas such as optimising hospital management, enhancing public health, and improving the quality of healthcare services. Professor Lo said, "Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai Municipalities have all along been maintaining close co-operative relationships with Hong Kong. Our co-operation with these three municipalities in the area of healthcare have great potential and room for enhancement. With the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, there have been closer and more frequent exchanges and co-operation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the various Mainland provinces and cities in the field of healthcare development. We will press ahead the strengthening and deepening of such exchanges and co-operation to promote regional healthcare development, with a view to enhancing the quality and efficiency of the healthcare services, and joining the effort to contribute to the important national strategy of 'Healthy China'." During their visit to Hong Kong, the delegations of Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai Municipal Health Commissions also attended the Hospital Authority (HA) Convention. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan; and the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, also joined some of the meetings today.
Secretary for Health meets delegations of Health Commission of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission (with photos)
16.5.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met the Party Secretary and Director of the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, Mr Zhu Hong, the Party Secretary and Director General of the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, Ms Wu Hongyan, and their delegations respectively today (May 16) to explore ways in boosting exchanges and co-operation in the area of healthcare. Professor Lo said, "In recent years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has commenced co-operation in the area of healthcare with Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipality in multiple aspects, including the implementation of collaboration initiatives such as that of using Hong Kong registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the GBA Healthcare Talents Visiting Programmes. Among these, the Visiting Programmes jointly launched by the Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the Hospital Authority (HA) provide in particular valuable occasions of clinical exchanges and learning opportunities for participating healthcare practitioners, and strengthen the synergy effect in healthcare manpower and clinical services of the two places, thereby enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services in the GBA and creating mutual benefits. "Building on the solid foundation of co-operation in the past and following the full resumption of normal travel, the HKSAR Government, Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipality will usher in broader room for development and more extensive co-operation in the healthcare aspect. Under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, the HKSAR Government will continue to push forward co-operation with Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipality in such areas as cross-boundary healthcare services, visits and training of healthcare staff and medical technology exchanges in a bid to further contribute to the building of a 'Healthy Bay Area' and the overall development of the nation together." During their visit to Hong Kong, the delegations of the Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission also attended the HA Convention in which Mr Zhu delivered a keynote speech. Accompanying Professor Lo at the meeting were the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan; the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko; and officials of the Health Bureau.
Secretary for Health visits Prince Philip Dental Hospital (with photos)
9.5.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, visited the Prince Philip Dental Hospital (PPDH) today (May 9) to get a better grasp of its work in training local dental professionals. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Board of Governors of PPDH, Mr Huen Wong, Professor Lo and the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, visited the PPDH's training facilities such as primary care clinic, comprehensive dental clinic and simulation laboratory. They also received an introduction by the Director of the PPDH, Professor Cynthia Yiu, on the screening arrangements for teaching patients and the details of PPDH's training of dentists and ancillary dental workers (including dental hygienists and dental therapists). Professor Lo urged the PPDH to enhance the clinical competencies of dentists and ancillary dental workers, with a view to ensuring a sustainable supply of quality healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for dental services in Hong Kong. Professor Lo and his team then chatted with some student dental hygienists and student dental therapists to learn about their training experience. Professor Lo said, "Hong Kong has been facing a shortage of dentists over the years, with a particularly keen demand for relevant manpower in the public healthcare sector. This situation of dental professionals shortage affects the dental care services for our community, in particular the underprivileged. "As such, we are considering to introduce amendment to the Dentists Registration Ordinance, thereby creating new pathways for the admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in specified institutions, and modernising the regulatory framework for dentists and ancillary dental workers to ensure the adequate manpower support for our public or subsidised dental care services in the long run. "We have earlier met with various stakeholders, including representatives of the Dental Council of Hong Kong and dental professional associations, as well as faculty staff and students of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong to collect their views on the proposed amendments to the Ordinance. We are actively considering the views and suggestions from various sectors for the formulation of a concrete proposal with a target of submitting recommendations to the Legislative Council within this year. I am glad to have the chance to gain first-hand understanding of the training process of dentists and ancillary dental workers at PPDH through the visit today. This is helpful to us in taking a more holistic approach during our legislative exercise."
Secretary for Health meets delegation from People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality (with photos)
4.5.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with a delegation led by the Vice-Mayor of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality and Director General of Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission, Mr Lai Zhihong, today (May 4) to discuss issues relating to deepening medical co-operation between the two places. Professor Lo said, "The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is a key development strategy in the country's reform and opening up in the new era, as well as a further step to enrich the practice of 'one country, two systems'. The objectives of the development of the GBA are to further deepen co-operation amongst Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, fully leverage the composite advantages of the three places, facilitate in-depth integration within the region, and promote co-ordinated regional economic development, as well as to establish an international first-class bay area ideal for living, working and travelling." He added, "The constructive discussion today covers the registration and inspection of proprietary Chinese medicine, talent exchange, and an array of measures to cater for the medical needs of Hong Kong citizens residing in cities in the GBA, including extending the coverage of the Elderly Health Care Voucher to an offsite medical institution set up by the University of Hong Kong&ndash;Shenzhen Hospital, recommending to launch the Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the GBA on May 10, and expanding the coverage of eligible Hong Kong drugs and medical devices to be used under the measure of using Hong Kong registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the GBA, etc. These measures have laid a solid foundation for further collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong. "Under the principles of 'complementarity and mutual benefits', the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to deepen exchanges and co-operation with the Mainland in the medical field, thereby building a 'Healthy Hong Kong' and integration into the nation's 'Healthy China'. Taking Chinese medicine (CM) as an example, the Chief Executive announced multiple policy initiatives in the 2022 Policy Address, including formulation of the overall CM development blueprint in collaboration with the CM sector, in a bid to drive further the long-term development of CM in Hong Kong on all fronts in a more focused manner, in areas such as CM service and industry development as well as collaboration with the Mainland, the GBA and the international community." Accompanying Professor Lo at the meeting were the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Tony Ko; and the Deputy Secretaries for Health Mr Sam Hui and Mr Eddie Lee.
Business seminar held in Sydney promotes Hong Kong's latest developments in life and health technology (with photos)
27.4.2023

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) hosted a business seminar, "Stepping into the Dynamic Future of Healthcare - Latest Developments in Life and Health Technology in Hong Kong" in Sydney, Australia, today (April 27) to promote the upcoming Asia Summit on Global Health (the Summit) on May 17 and 18, and the latest developments in life and health technology in Hong Kong. Addressing the seminar in a virtual speech, the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said that with the theme "Reimagining the Future of Healthcare" this year, the Summit would comprise a high-level symposium covering various hot topics, ranging from global health issues and healthcare innovation to business and investment opportunities in Asia. "Asia, and in particular Hong Kong, is rapidly growing in prominence as a vibrant innovation hub and we are at the forefront to contribute to a more sustainable future for global healthcare. Indeed, opportunities in life and health technology developments in Hong Kong are plentiful. Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has always been the place where the China and international advantages converge," Professor Lo said. Professor Lo highlighted the unwavering support from the Central Government under the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, as well as the Government's dedication to promoting innovation and technology, and life and health scientific research; and also the proactive initiatives to attract enterprises and talents. The Director of the Sydney ETO, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that Hong Kong has returned to the centre of the international stage with seamless connections to Mainland China and the world resumed, highlighting the "Hello Hong Kong" campaign and the series of international events in the city. Miss Lim also encouraged participants to take part in the Summit and visit Hong Kong to experience the vibrancy of Asia's world city. Prominent representatives from the healthcare and academic sectors in Australia took part in a panel discussion to share their valuable insights on market trends in healthcare industry and the unique strengths of Hong Kong in promoting the development of life and health technology. The seminar was jointly organised by the Sydney ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Business Sydney. Around 80 leaders and business executives from the healthcare sector, government representatives and media attended.
S for Health meets delegation from Hunan Province (with photos)
18.4.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with a delegation led by Vice Chairperson of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Ms Xiao Bailing today (April 18) to discuss issues aiming to foster the development of Chinese medicine (CM). Professor Lo said, "Through the constructive discussion today, both sides have exchanged views on the current development of the CM industry and laid the foundation for fostering future CM collaboration with joint effort in the two places. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to maintain close ties with the Mainland and international stakeholders and deepen exchanges and co-operation in the area of CM under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits. We will also leverage Hong Kong's traditional advantages in CM to play our vital role as the nation's gateway to the international markets for promoting inheritance, innovation and high-quality development of CM, thereby building a 'Healthy Hong Kong' together for integration into the nation's strategic planning of 'Healthy China'." "The Chief Executive announced a number of policy initiatives in the 2022 Policy Address, including commencing formulation of the overall CM development blueprint in collaboration with the CM sector, with a view to driving further the long-term development of CM in Hong Kong on all fronts in a more focused manner, in terms of areas such as CM service and industry development as well as collaboration with the Mainland, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the international community," Professor Lo supplemented. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; Deputy Secretary for Health Mr Eddie Lee; the Project Director of the Chinese Medicine Hospital Project Office of the Health Bureau (HHB), Dr Cheung Wai-lun; Assistant Director of Health Dr Alice Wong; and Assistant Commissioners for Chinese Medicine Development of the HHB Mr Dominic Ho and Dr Ng Chi-sun also attended the meeting.
S for Health concludes visit to Guangdong Province (with photos)
31.3.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, and his delegation continued with their last day of visit in Shenzhen today (March 31) and toured the Huawei Li Zhi Yuan Community Health Service Center of the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital and the Cuizhu Community Health Service Centre Luohu Hospital Group Shenzhen. Professor Lo said, "In the face of pressure brought about by an aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government) released the Primary Healthcare Blueprint last year, setting out various reform initiatives to reinforce the primary healthcare services. Through adoption of different prevention-oriented, community-based and family-centric strategies, it is our aim to improve the overall health status of the population by providing coherent and comprehensive healthcare services and establishing a sustainable healthcare system. The mode of operation and experience of the Huawei Community Health Service Center and the Cuizhu Community Health Service Centre serve as good references for the HKSAR Government in pushing ahead with the development of primary healthcare. "Today, I am also delighted to announce that starting from April 17, eligible Hong Kong elderly persons can use health care vouchers, launched by the HKSAR Government, to pay for the fees of outpatient healthcare services provided by the Huawei Community Health Service Center. This will further enable Hong Kong elderly persons residing in Shenzhen to use local outpatient services." âIn the afternoon, the delegation visited the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital and had a meeting with the Hospital Chief Executive, Professor Kenneth Cheung; Deputy Director General of the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission Mr Li Chuang; and a number of department heads of the hospital to learn about the latest development of the hospital, with a view to strengthening the medical co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen for better integration into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Delegation members accompanying Professor Lo on the visit include the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau, Dr Pang Fei-chau; and the Chairman of the Hospital Authority, Mr Henry Fan. Professor Lo and the delegation concluded the three-day visit this afternoon and returned to Hong Kong.
Secretary for Health leads delegation to continue visit in Guangdong Province (with photos)
30.3.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, and his delegation continued their visit in Guangdong Province today (March 30). Upon their arrival at Shenzhen this morning, they called on the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission and joined the China's International Healthcare Accreditation Standards Hospital Accreditation Launching Ceremony. "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government have been maintaining close communication with strong collaboration in the healthcare aspect. During the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in particular, the two places teamed up and co-operated in the monitoring and control of the epidemic as well as sharing of information," Professor Lo stressed during his meeting with the Director General of the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, Ms Wu Hongyan. "Meanwhile, considering the need of the Hospital Authority (HA) patients who were not able to travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland as usual due to the compulsory quarantine measures implemented during the epidemic, the HKSAR Government launched a Special Support Scheme (the Scheme) and commissioned the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) to provide subsidised follow-up consultation services for patients who had scheduled appointments at designated specialist outpatient clinics or general outpatient clinics under the HA. "The HKSAR Government is currently planning to roll out a pilot scheme by taking reference from the success of the Scheme so as to enable eligible persons to keep enjoying subsidised consultation services at HKU-SZH, with a view to exploring and planning an appropriate model in an effective manner to cater for the medical needs of Hong Kong residents residing in the Mainland cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." The delegation joined the Hospital Accreditation Launching Ceremony, which was co-organised by the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality and the Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Center, in the afternoon. Professor Lo said, "It is of particular significance for the HKSAR Government delegation to be here at today's launching ceremony, for two hospitals under the HA will adopt the International Hospital Quality Accreditation Standards (2021 Version), compiled by the Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Center, in 2023-2024. The move will contribute to the process for the nation's hospital accreditation standards to go global, while ensuring that the management and service levels of hospitals are on par with international standards." âDelegation members accompanying Professor Lo on the visit include the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau, Dr Pang Fei-chau; and the Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan. Professor Lo and the delegation will continue their visit in Shenzhen tomorrow (March 31).