Hospital Authority standardises caller identification number prefix 18285 and 18286 to make identifying calls easier
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (May 18) that it will gradually adopt a set of designated prefixes for caller identification (caller ID) numbers starting next Tuesday (May 26). Going forward, telephone calls made by the HA will display a unified caller ID number beginning with either 18285 or 18286. The new caller ID number will consist of seven digits, and each operating unit under the HA will be allocated a number between 1828 500 and 1828 599 or between 1828 600 and 1828 699 for caller ID purposes.
"After the HA adopts caller ID numbers beginning with 18285 or 18286, members of the public can clearly identify HA calls, thereby reducing the chances of them refusing to answer calls due to concerns about excessive promotional calls or potential phone scams, and even missing urgent calls from accident and emergency departments or wards. We encourage members of the public who frequently use public hospital services to save the new caller ID numbers to their mobile phone contact list, which can help reduce refusals to answer caused by misunderstanding," the HA spokesperson said.
HA operating units, including public hospitals, family medicine clinics, specialist outpatient clinics, healthcare institutions, and the HA Head Office will progressively switch to the special caller ID numbers within the coming month, with completion expected by the end of June. For the caller ID numbers of the various operating units, please refer to the appendix.
The spokesperson added, "The caller ID transition will be implemented in phases, and the switchover timing will vary across different operating units. Members of the public should take care to verify the identity of the caller when receiving calls from public hospitals. Where the HA needs to contact members of the public, it will generally do so by having staff call them directly and provide relevant information to verify identity. The HA reminds members of the public not to provide any personal information to calls from unknown sources to avoid privacy breaches. If they suspect that they have received a scam call, they should seek assistance from the Police."
The HA also reminds members of the public that all numbers starting with 18285 or 18286 will be used solely for caller ID purposes of calls made by the HA, to assist the public in identifying incoming calls. When members of the public call back the number, they will generally only hear a recorded phone message indicating which public hospital or clinic the call originated from. If necessary, staff will contact them again proactively later. The caller ID number will not be connected to the relevant public hospital or clinic. After the caller ID number transition, the phone numbers of the HA operating units remain unchanged. Members of the public may visit the HA website to check the relevant dialing numbers.
In addition, the HA also reminds members of the public that, for operational needs, some HA operating units will still retain a small number of direct landline numbers or use mobile phones to contact members of the public. For such calls, the caller ID numbers will not start with 18285 or 18286.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference
Hong Kong Customs, serving as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, is today (May 18) hosting the 27th WCO A/P Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference that will run until May 20.
This is the highest-level annual conference held in the A/P region, and has gathered more than 120 heads of Customs and senior officials from the region, alongside delegates from the WCO's regional entities. The Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, was also in attendance.
The Conference started with a welcoming speech by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region. Mr Chan emphasised the critical role of the Conference in shaping regional policies and fostering a collaborative customs community. Over the past two years, Hong Kong Customs, in its capacity as the A/P Vice-Chair, has upheld the core values of collaboration and co-operation. He encouraged all members to carry this momentum forward to ensure prosperity, sustainable development and close connections in the region. Other speakers, including Mr Saunders, also addressed the Conference and shared valuable insights on the WCO's future developments.
Meanwhile, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the welcome reception yesterday (May 17). In his remarks, Mr Yau reaffirmed the steadfast support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for initiatives that promotes regional Customs co-operation, with a view to fostering more efficient and responsive Customs services to facilitate trade.
The Conference featured discussions on key Customs initiatives in the A/P Region and regional priorities, facilitating an exchange of ideas and collective decision-making to enhance trade facilitation and connectivity amongst regional members.
The Conference was complemented by cultural performances, including a demonstration by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Joint Primary Schools Wushu Elite Team at the welcome reception, and a performance by the Symphonic Band of Good Hope School prior to the start of the first day of the Conference. These performances not only highlighted the blend of Chinese and Western cultures, but also showcased the talent and vitality of Hong Kong's young generation.
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds 27th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
