LegCo Panel Visits CUHK Medical Centre to Explore Clinical Services and Innovations

LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Health Services visited the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) today (April 21) to learn about the hospital's clinical services, operational model and latest developments.

Accompanied by the Chairman of the Council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Professor John Chai, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the CUHK, Professor Dennis Lo, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of theCUHK, Professor Patrick Yung, and the Chief Executive Officer of theCUHKMC, Dr Chung Kin-lai, Members gained an understanding of the development of theCUHK, its Faculty of Medicine and theCUHKMC, as well as the synergy of their tripartite partnership at the History Gallery.

Members toured the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, the Endoscopy Centre and the Day Surgery Centre; and they were presented with the surgical robotic system designed by the CUHK team. Members noted that the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre delivered comprehensive rehabilitation services catering to both elite athletes and the general public, and observed the application of advanced equipment such as the gait analysis system and exoskeleton. Members also learnt how medical innovations developed bytheCUHK were being applied in advanced endoscopic surgeries at the Endoscopy Centre.

Members noted the hospital's adoption of medical technology, including the use of surgical robotic system to successfully complete more than 130 urological surgeries. The system is specifically optimised for performing procedures within the narrow confines of the pelvic cavity. The clinical data indicates that the system contributes to reduced postoperative complications and accelerated recovery. Moreover, the hospital has introduced the Unity MR-Linac system, one of only two such systems in Hong Kong, to deliver high-precision radiotherapy to cancer patients.

Members then received a briefing from the representatives of theCUHKMC on the latest situation of the hospital. They noted that the hospital had been proactively introducing measures on generating revenue and managing costs. Members also exchanged views with the representatives of theCUHKMC on how to continuously improve the theCUHKMC's financial and operational situations.

A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Health Services participated in the visit.

LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo Panel on Health Services visits CUHK Medical Centre Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases with suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products worth over $39 million seized

In view of the increasing demand of injections and medicines from society recently, Hong Kong Customs has strengthened enforcement against the smuggling of controlled injection substances and medicines. As a result, two related cases, with suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products worth over $39 million, were detected. Three persons were arrested.

Hong Kong Customs on March 30 detected one smuggling case involving a river trade vessel departing from Hong Kong for Macao. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including about 4 million suspected pharmaceutical products, about 26 000 suspected controlled injection substances, and about 7 kilograms of cigars, with a total estimated market value of approximately $35 million, were seized.

Moreover, Hong Kong Customs detected a case of smuggling suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products on April 8. Customs officers on that day identified a shop in Sheung Shui which was suspected of smuggling controlled pharmaceutical products. A 28-year-old male consignee suspected to be connected with the case, and a 32-year-old male shop keeper were arrested. Customs further arrested a 33-year-old female person-in-charge of the shop concerned. Customs seized a total of 5 600 weight loss jabs and about 30 000 pharmaceutical tablets, with an estimated market value of about $4.77 million, in the case.

Investigations are ongoing, and the three arrestees have been released on bail.

Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities 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).

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases with suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products worth over $39 million seized Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases with suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products worth over $39 million seized Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases