Health Officials Discuss Reforms and Team Changes to Enhance Hong Kong's Healthcare System

Remarks by S for Health at media session

Following are the remarks made by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee; and the Under Secretary for Health (designate), Dr Cecilia Fan, at a media session at the Central Government Offices today (July 2):

Reporter: For Dr Lo, what are your thoughts on having Dr Fan on your team and seeing your current Under Secretary now leading the Hospital Authority? For Dr Fan, what specific reforms you envision in your new role as the Under Secretary for Health? And for Dr Lee, why did you decide to take on the role as Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, and what goals and ideas you have in mind for your new position?

Secretary for Health: In brief, the whole move this time, regarding the three new appointments, is that we have reorganised the team of the whole health family in Hong Kong, not just for the Health Bureau and the Hospital Authority, but also for the primary healthcare as well as the Department of Health. We will be having a much stronger team, more co-ordinated to push forward the healthcare reforms that we are planning. We are confident that we will be able to achieve for the better health for Hong Kong. Thank you.

Under Secretary for Health (designate): I would echo with Professor Lo that, for this healthcare reform, we are going to have concerted efforts from all parties as well as everybody, so I think this is important.

Under Secretary for Health: In my previous days in the Hospital Authority, I was always proud – proud of being able to deliver public healthcare services to the public, proud to do research, and proud to teach the next generation for our healthcare profession. If I am given the opportunity, I am very eager and honoured to go and serve. For my vision, I really want the Hospital Authority to be an authority with warmth, and can build trust with the public, the staff and also the citizens, so we would actually drive in that direction. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

AFCD reminds hikers to pay attention to hiking safety during holidays

In light of the expected increase in hikers to country parks during the New Year holidays, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (December 31) urges hikers to pay attention to safety and to use the designated hiking trails managed and maintained by the AFCD.

The AFCD has placed information boards and directory signs at appropriate locations within the country parks. Warning signs have also been installed near dangerous areas in the country parks, reminding hikers not to enter those areas to avoid accidents.

The AFCD reminds the public that the cliffs near the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform in Sai Kung have been weathered and eroded over the years. Hikers must follow the waymarks, stay on the designated hiking trails and refrain from striding over railings. The AFCD has added barriers and placed warning signs around the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform and surrounding areas to prevent hikers from wandering into dangerous areas, hence avoiding accidents. During the New Year holidays, the AFCD will deploy additional staff to disseminate messages about hiking safety at the viewing platform and surrounding areas, to ensure the safety of hikers.

The AFCD promotes comprehensive information about trails through the "Enjoy Hiking" website (www.hiking.gov.hk) to help hikers select suitable routes. The website also provides comprehensive database on various hiking trails, including trail length, difficulty and nearby facilities, for hikers to plan hiking trips that are suitable for themselves according their personal conditions. The website also lists out high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, with a view to reminding hikers to avoid visiting those areas.

For information on hiking safety, please visit the AFCD page (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_gac/cou_wha_whe_sat.html).

Source: AI-found images