18 Family Medicine Clinics to Offer Services During Easter and Ching Ming Festivals, April 3-7.

Hospital Authority announces service arrangements of family medicine and Chinese medicine clinics during Easter and Ching Ming Festival holidays

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (April 1) announced that a total of 18 family medicine clinics (FMCs) will provide public holiday FMC services during the Easter and Ching Ming Festival holiday period (April 3 to 7) (see Annex). Patients may book an appointment either through the telephone appointment system, the eHealth mobile app or the "Book FMC" function of the HA Go mobile app.

The spokesperson reminded members of the public to stay vigilant about personal and environmental hygiene during the public holidays to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear a mask and seek medical advice promptly. The spokesperson emphasised that non-emergency patients should avoid using accident and emergency (A&E) services and seek treatment at FMCs, private doctors or 24-hour outpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. The Health Bureau has collated information on private healthcare facilities, covering 13 private hospitals, more than 49 clinics, and 208 non-profit organisations and private Chinese medicine clinics, which will be in operation during the the Easter and Ching Ming Festival holidays across 18 districts in the city. The information (including addresses, phone numbers and operation hours) of the relevant healthcare facilities can be accessed by members of the public via the eHealth website and the "Doctor Search" function of the eHealth mobile app.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson appealed to eligible members of the public, especially high-risk groups, to get vaccinated early for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 to reduce the chance of infection for themselves and their family members, as well as to reduce critical cases and deaths.

Moreover, Chinese Medicine Clinics and Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) located in the 18 districts will arrange special sessions to provide the government-subsidised Chinese medicine (CM) out-patient services from April 3 to 7 (see Annex). Meanwhile, the CM out-patient services will also be enhanced before and after the public holidays (April 2, April 8 and 9). Patients may make an appointment either by telephone during service hours or through the "18 CM Clinics" mobile application (applicable to patients who have registered for 18 CMCTRs' services). Please refer to the latest information on CM services on the HA CMK website (cmk.ha.org.hk/services/notice/during-the-easter-public-holidays-2026).

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 31) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of pearls and other jewellery containing precious metals and stones valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The company director was arrested.

The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk)or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: AI-found images