Health Leaders from Hong Kong and Singapore Discuss Advancements in Chinese Medicine Development

Secretary for Health meets with Ministry of Health Singapore delegation

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with a delegation led by the Director-General of Health of the Ministry of Health Singapore, Professor Kenneth Mak, today (July 14) for a detailed exchange on the development of Chinese medicine (CM) in the two places.

Professor Lo welcomed the delegation and introduced the strategies of CM development in Hong Kong to them. Professor Lo said, "The National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline calls for advancing the inheritance and innovation of CM and promoting its global expansion. The Chief Executive is leading the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in formulating a five-year plan with a view to comprehensively and proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. In the field of healthcare, leveraging Hong Kong's advantages under the 'one country, two systems' framework to facilitate CM to go global will constitute a key element.

"The HKSAR Government has long been actively promoting CM development, and initial progress has already been achieved, including the release of the first Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint last year, and the launch of the two flagship projects for CM development, namely The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI). These measures will further consolidate Hong Kong's role as a bridgehead for the global expansion of CM, and thereby fostering wider recognition and application of CM worldwide."

At the meeting, Hong Kong representatives introduced the policy directions of the Blueprint, the regulatory framework for CM, CM and integrated Chinese-Western medicine (ICWM) services, as well as the mission and functions of CMHHK and the GCMTI. The Singapore delegation shared an overview of the current CM development in Singapore.

The two sides also discussed topics including the CM service model, the clinical practice of ICWM, and the experiences of the two places in implementing CM policies. Professor Lo emphasised, "CM is not only an integral part of Hong Kong's healthcare system, but also plays an increasingly crucial role in different levels of healthcare services around the globe. We look forward to continuing to exchange experiences with international partners to jointly promote CM development, further leveraging its value and role in improving global health."

Representatives of the Health Bureau, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority and CMHHK also attended the meeting.

Secretary for Health meets with Ministry of Health Singapore delegation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Secretary for Health meets with Ministry of Health Singapore delegation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 13) detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming air passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 7 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.3 million.

During customs clearance of a 54-year-old Mainland male passenger, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds camouflaged as food items from his carry-on suitcase and carry-on travel bag. The man was subsequently arrested.

After an investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 15).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

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 drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases