DH gives full support to blood donation activity and calls on public to donate blood to save lives during upcoming long holidays
The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (April 17) led colleagues of the Department of Health (DH) to give full support to the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) and called on the public to donate blood during the Easter long holidays to help people in need.
"With an ageing population in Hong Kong and increasing demand for medical services, the demand for blood is also rising. Blood collection efforts are often affected by unforeseen factors, such as inclement weather, influenza season and the public's travel habits during long holidays, which may lead to a drop in the public's willingness to donate blood and in the number of blood donations. In view of this, the DH has decided to support the BTS before the Easter holidays, hoping that the public will take advantage of the holidays to participate in blood donation activities and demonstrate selfless love, thus providing local hospitals with a stable and safe blood supply for clinical transfusion and treatment purposes," Dr Lam said.
During the visit of the BTS mobile blood donation team to the DH headquarters today, a total of 24 DH staff members participated in the blood donation drive and donated 24 units of blood.
"Whole blood collected can be processed into components to help three to four patients. At the same time, blood donation is good for both physical and mental health. Apart from aiding metabolism, overseas studies have shown that people who donate blood regularly tend to feel happier and healthier. As the saying goes, it is a blessing to donate. Don't hesitate to donate blood and save more lives together," Dr Lam added.
The BTS has set up a number of blood donor centres throughout Hong Kong, and mobile blood donation teams and mobile blood donation vehicles visit different districts regularly to facilitate blood donation by the public. During the Easter holidays, most blood donor centres will be open as usual. To minimise waiting time, members of the public are advised to call the blood donor centres or make an appointment for blood donation through the mobile application "HK Blood". For more information about the addresses and opening hours of the blood donor centres, the public may visit the BTS's website.
DH gives full support to blood donation activity and calls on public to donate blood to save lives during upcoming long holidays Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH gives full support to blood donation activity and calls on public to donate blood to save lives during upcoming long holidays Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government strongly condemns US senators' despicable attempt to intimidate HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (May 17) strongly condemned those United States (US) senators who requested a review, through a so-called "bill", of including a number of judges, and prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DoJ), in a so-called list of "sanctions" in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "It is clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, so the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) is free from any intervention. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called 'sanctions' against the HKSAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR despises any so-called 'sanctions' and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs."
The spokesman pointed out, "Nearly five years having passed since the implementation of the HKNSL, the HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The DoJ of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws."
"The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court."
"The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice."
The spokesman reiterated, "The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."
