Secretary for Health attends opening ceremony of Tuen Mun District Health Centre (with photos)
13.3.2023

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Tuen Mun District Health Centre (DHC) today (March 13). He said that the Government is committed to revamping the healthcare system and putting more resources in promoting primary healthcare, in a bid to improve citizens' health and build a "Healthy Hong Kong". Professor Lo said, "The establishment of DHCs in all 18 districts across Hong Kong is a new move to optimise the healthcare system in the city. This goal of having all 18 districts in Hong Kong covered was attained by the end of last year, signifying an achievement for this phase. The Health Bureau also released last December the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, formulating a series of development directions and strategies to strengthen the primary healthcare system of Hong Kong. To show the determination and commitment of the Government in pressing ahead the primary healthcare initiatives, we will reinforce the role of DHCs in co-ordinating primary healthcare services and managing cases in the community in stages, with a view to bringing changes to the overall healthcare strategy and developing a mindset of 'prevention-oriented, early intervention' across the community. "According to the Blueprint, the Government will work together with the private healthcare sector in promoting the concept of 'family doctor for all' and launching the three-year Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme within this year. Cross-professional public-private partnership model will be adopted and targeted subsidies will be given, all co-ordinated by DHCs, to encourage members of the public to establish a long-term doctor-patient relationship with their family doctor, thereby enabling them to enjoy coherent and comprehensive healthcare services. This will also serve as an additional service option, apart from services patients with chronic diseases can get in the public healthcare system. I appeal to members of the public for making good use of the services offered by DHCs to live a healthier and happier life." The Tuen Mun DHC, commencing services in phases since late May last year, is operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong (ELCHK). Its core centre is located at Rosedale Gardens in Tuen Mun with various satellite centres set up in the district to serve the public. The multidisciplinary team there comprises nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, social workers and supporting staff, and provides citizens with various government-subsidised primary healthcare services. Through the application of innovative technology, members can receive effective chronic disease management and community rehabilitation services in the Smart Rehab Zone and Smart Fitness Zone of the DHC. In addition, the DHC engages healthcare practitioners in the district or nearby areas to construct a cross-professional network and works with other community partners who provide social welfare and healthcare services in the district so as to co-ordinate referral service for citizens in need. The Tuen Mun DHC opens from 10am to 9pm from Mondays to Saturdays and 2pm to 6pm on Sundays, with closure on public holidays. Citizens residing or working in Tuen Mun District are welcome to register as members of the DHC and enjoy its services. They may also call the DHC hotline at 2332 2218, or visit the webpage www.dhc.gov.hk for more details on DHCs and DHC Expresses. The Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, and the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau, as well as the Bishop of the ELCHK, the Reverend Chang Chun-wa; the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the ELC Social Service - Hong Kong, Mr Kwok Kang-ming; and the Chief Executive of the ELC Social Service - Hong Kong, Ms Chan Lai-kwan, also attended the opening ceremony today.