Health Bureau Responds to Media Enquiries on CUHK Medical Centre's Early Repayment of Government Loan

Health Bureau responds to media enquiries on CUHK Medical Centre's early repayment of government loan

In response to media enquiries on whether the Government had requested the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) to repay the government loan ahead of schedule, a spokesperson for the Health Bureau clarified unequivocally on April 27 that the Government had never made such a request. The proposal for early repayment was initiated jointly by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the CUHKMC to the Government. Having taken into account various considerations, the Government has agreed to the proposal in principle.

The Health Bureau, Photo source: reference image

The spokesperson said that, in the light of its gradually stabilising financial position, the CUHKMC formally notified the Government in writing on April 22 this year, proposing to repay the loan in full ahead of schedule. The Government has agreed in principle that the CUHKMC may repay the full loan amount on March 19, 2027. The specific arrangements are still subject to the finalisation by the CUHKMC, in conjunction with the CUHK, for the Government's further consideration.

The spokesperson added that the Government will continue to maintain close liaison with the CUHK and the CUHKMC to proceed with the relevant procedures in an orderly manner. The Government will, as always, closely monitor the CUHKMC's compliance with deed-related obligations, to ensure that the CUHKMC operates and provides services in accordance with the relevant requirements both before and after the completion of repayment.

The Government, together with the CUHK and the CUHKMC, will report on the latest updates regarding the loan arrangement to the Panel on Health Services of the Legislative Council on May 8 this year.

The CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC), Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $2.3 million

Hong Kong Customs detected a dangerous drugs case yesterday (April 27), and seized a total of about 3 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million. One person suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.

Hong Kong Customs and Mainlanddepartments on narcotics control and anti-smuggling carried out an intelligence exchange, and intercepted two parcels from the Chinese Mainland on April 25, declared as books and clothing, and discovered the batch of suspected cocaine concealed inside the false compartments of a suitcase in one of the parcels. Upon follow-up investigations, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation and arrested a 41-year-old non-local woman in Mong Kok yesterday.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 29).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $2.3 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases