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The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, today (May 6) is regretful and deeply disappointed with repeated incidents of hospitals losing USB flash drives containing patients' data. He looked forward to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data coming up with measures to plug possible loopholes.
"The Hospital Authority has the responsibility to handle patients' data with care. Downloading patients' information to USB flash drive is very risky and should be avoided.
"I have instructed the Hospital Authority to formulate clear guidelines for its medical staff as soon as possible to protect the privacy of patients," Dr Chow said.
Ends/Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:55
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