TD ceases accepting paper applications for driving licence renewal via drop-in boxes at post offices from June 1
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (May 19) that, in view of the persistently low usage of drop-in boxes at designated post offices and the convenience of streamlined online services, it will cease accepting paper applications for Full Driving Licence (FDL) renewal via these drop-in boxes at post offices from June 1 to consolidate resources and enhance service efficiency. The TD encourages the public to make good use of the more convenient and expeditious online renewal services.
At present, an FDL holder should renew the FDL within four months before its expiry date or within three years after it has expired. Members of the public may submit an online renewal application via GovHK using their "iAM Smart+" account with the digital signing function or a valid personal digital certificate.
In addition, to remind and enable the public to renew the FDL in time, the TD will send by post the "FDL Renewal Notice cum Application Form" (form TD 578) to FDL holders around three months prior to its expiry, and another reminder (form TD 601) to those whose FDLs have expired for nearly three years and are yet to be renewed. Both are printed with a Renewal Password. Members of the public may submit an online application using the Renewal Password and other personal information including their identification document number for authentication to complete renewal procedures conveniently. If the applicant's address has not changed within three months upon receipt of the Renewal Password, submission of address proof is not needed during the online application process, further streamlining the procedures.
As of end-April 2025, nearly half of the FDL applicants had opted for online renewal, making it the most popular local e-licensing service after the International Driving Permit, showing the public's gradual shift from paper to online applications. The TD therefore implements the above service adjustment to make better use of public resources.
The TD encourages the public to make good use of online applications to enjoy the convenience of e-services. As for paper applications, the current arrangements for submission through the counters and drop-in boxes at the TD's Licensing Offices as well as by post remain unchanged. The public may refer to the TD's website for details of FDL renewal.
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.
Source: AI-found images
