Certificate presentation ceremony for Self-Certification Scheme for Application for Water Supply for Catering Business Trades held today
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (January 21) held a certificate presentation ceremony for the Self-Certification Scheme for Application for Water Supply for Catering Business Trades to commend about 30 licensed plumbers (LPs) for their track record of performance and to recognise them as the first batch of LPs eligible to participate in the Scheme. The Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, presented certificates to the LPs attending the ceremony.
Mr Wong stated that the WSD continuously optimises the procedures for water supply applications and streamlines workflow to facilitate high-water-consumption industries (including the catering business), thereby creating a more business-friendly environment. The WSD launched the Scheme at the end of last year, allowing LPs with a track record of performance to self-certify the plumbing works for the catering businesses they are responsible for, further streamlining the water supply application process for those businesses. The Scheme has shifted from a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach targeting a minority of underperformers to one that encourages continuous excellence among participants, which helps improve the overall standard of the plumbing industry. Details and a list of LPs eligible to participate in the Scheme have been published on the WSD website.
Moreover, the WSD established the Digital Water Office in June last year, enhancing water supply operations and customer services through the development of digital infrastructure and smart technologies, providing better and more environmentally friendly water supply services. One of the initiatives includes the launch of an intelligent electronic service platform that assists plumbers in automatically generating plumbing diagrams for the catering business that meet the WSD's requirements, thereby expediting the related water supply application process. The electronic service platform is scheduled to be launched in the early second quarter.
In response to the Development Bureau's encouragement of a mindset that facilitates development and collaborative co-operation while streamlining workflows for related public services, the WSD will review the implementation and operation of the Scheme before considering expanding it to other categories of water supply applications.
Certificate presentation ceremony for Self-Certification Scheme for Application for Water Supply for Catering Business Trades held today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Chinese medicine sector fully supports residents affected by Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire by providing free Chinese medicine consultation services
The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 14) that free Chinese medicine (CM) consultation services will be provided to residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po starting tomorrow (December 15). In addition, various CM services will also be deployed to fully address their medical needs.
Free Chinese medicine consultation services
To ensure the affected residents receive more comprehensive medical support, free CM consultation services will be launched starting tomorrow. Under the co-ordination of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the Chinese Medicine Unit of the HHB, 150 CM practitioners have participated in the free CM consultation services, covering more than 170 service points. Starting from tomorrow until February 28, 2026, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers) can receive up to three free CM consultation services, including the provision of medication and related treatments based on their clinical needs, through the arrangement of the District Health Centres/ District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The scope of free CM consultation services covers health conditions that may arise after the fire, such as emotional changes, insomnia, palpitations; coughing, wheezing, dry throat, and itchy throat; physical weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; as well as pain and musculoskeletal injuries.
Affected residents with medical needs can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. Those who are registered DHC members may also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will pair them with CM practitioners participating in the free CM consultation scheme based on their individual situation and preferences.
The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong
All residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers), and all individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) can receive full fee waivers at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) until December 31, 2026. The waivers cover all government-subsidised services of CMHHK, including General Clinic, Specialised Clinic, Allied Health Services, day-patient services, as well as special Western medicine diagnostic procedures and medications (discharge medication collection). Relevant individuals can identify themselves to CMHHK and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) during consultations to facilitate the arrangement.
Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres located in 18 districts
Following the fire, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) under the HA promptly provide support in Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, and North District through enhancing CM services, arranging rescheduling of appointments, and re-dispensing of Chinese medicines.
Starting from December 2, the 18 CMCTRs have been fully supporting all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers). They are eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31 2026, covering government-subsidised CM outpatient services, including general consultation, acupuncture and bone-setting/tui-na. Relevant individuals can call the CMCTRs during their service hours or make an appointment via the "18 CM Clinics" mobile application. They shall identify themselves to the CMCTRs and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) upon registration to proceed with the arrangement. The CMCTRs will provide priority booking for the affected residents. In addition, the Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Services under the HA's public hospitals/ambulatory care centres/out-patient clinics (currently available for six selected disease areas) will also waive service fees for relevant individuals.
Information about the 18 CMCTRs can be found on the HACMK website.
The HHB expresses gratitude to the CM sector and non-governmental organisations for their dedication to providing various CM support to the affected residents. The Government will continue to co-ordinate various medical services to support the physical and mental health needs of the residents.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
