CHP collaborates with private hospitals to enhance infection control measures and tackle antimicrobial resistance
The Infection Control Branch (ICB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health (DH) today (September 24) convened a meeting of the Working Group on Collaboration between the CHP and Private Hospitals on Infection Control (working group) to discuss the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP) and infection control measures with representatives from private hospitals across Hong Kong. The goal is to jointly combat antimicrobial resistance(AMR).
The Head of the ICB of the CHP, Dr Edmond Ma, said at the meeting that private hospitals are key stakeholders in preventing infectious diseases and combating AMR. AMR surveillance data in private hospitals in 2025 revealed that among all the Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from clinical specimens, the proportion of methicillin-resistant strains ranged from 9 to 24 per cent. While this is comparable to the corresponding proportions of 2024, the trends still require close monitoring.
"Optimising the use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, is one of the major strategies for controlling AMR under the Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (Action Plan).One of the objectives is to enhance ASP in private hospitals toreduce unnecessary prescriptions and curb the development of AMR," said Dr Ma.
At the meeting, representatives from the CHP and private hospitals exchanged views on the current status and practical implementation of ASP. Drawing on international and local experiences, the representatives focused their discussion on five key elements, including leadership support, monitoring of antibiotic usage, implementing and reporting ASP, and continuous education among healthcare workers. The CHP recommended that private hospitals strengthen their existing ASP in these five key areas to ensure that doctors within the hospital prescribe antibiotics based on scientific evidence and in accordance with patients' needs.
The CHP also reminded doctors at private hospitals that they can refer to the antimicrobialguidelines, IMPACT, which was compiled jointly by the CHP, the Hospital Authority, the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Medical Association and the Hong Kong Private Hospitals Association. Updated last year, the IMPACT serves as a reference for clinical treatment. It provides medication recommendations for different types of infections, enabling doctors in Hong Kong to prescribe appropriate antimicrobial drugs for inpatients. In addition, the working group held in-depth discussions on infection control measures implemented in hospitals, covering the optimisation of environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures as well as the maintenance of water-supply systems to ensure that the hospital environment effectively reduces the risk of transmission.
"The CHP will continue to hold regular meetings with private hospitals through the working group to strengthen collaboration on infection control and the promotion of appropriate antibiotic use, and to facilitate communication and the sharing of experiences between private hospitals and the public healthcare sector to jointly address the challenges posed by infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance," said Dr Ma.
The CHP set up the working group in 2011, comprising representatives from the CHP and infection control officers from local private hospitals. The group is cochaired by the Head of the ICB and a representative from the private hospital sector. The working group aims to facilitate co-ordination between the CHP and private hospitals on infection control measures and responses to AMR, thereby optimising surveillance and ASP to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics.
Members of the public and healthcare professionals can visit the CHP's website to learn more about AMR and to review the details of the Action Plan (2023-2027).
The Infection Control Branch of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health today (September 24) convened a meeting of the Working Group on Collaboration between the CHP and Private Hospitals on Infection Control to discuss the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme and infection control measures with representatives from private hospitals across Hong Kong. The goal is to jointly combat antimicrobial resistance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Infection Control Branch (ICB) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health today (September 24) convened a meeting of the Working Group on Collaboration between the CHP and Private Hospitals on Infection Control to discuss the Antibiotic Stewardship Programme and infection control measures with representatives from private hospitals across Hong Kong. The goal is to jointly combat antimicrobial resistance. Photo shows the Head of the ICB of the CHP, Dr Edmond Ma (second right), speaking at the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
