***********************************************************
The 12th Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao was held in Hong Kong today (December 5), at which about 60 medical and public health officials and experts of the three places shared their experience and fostered mutual understanding on various public health issues.
Addressing the meeting, the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, noted that the three places have gained a more thorough understanding of each other's situation and established a sound mechanism for information sharing and collaboration after years of exchanges and co-operation.
"Following strengthened exchange and co-operation among Hong Kong, Macao and the Mainland, the Joint Meeting has become an important platform for the three places to share their views on medical and health issues. Through the meeting, the three places can enhance mutual understanding, and learn from each other to improve the public health systems," Dr Ko said.
One of the topics discussed at today's meeting was measures against emerging communicable diseases. Dr Ko told participants that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) had been putting in place a series of ongoing effective strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Subsequent to the confirmation of the first human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) on December 2, the HKSARG has activated the Serious Response Level under the Preparedness Plan for Influenza Pandemic and implemented a series of corresponding preventive and control measures.
"The three places have already established a mechanism for information exchange on infectious diseases, which enables us to conduct risk assessment and communication in a timely manner. We hope that this efficient co-operation and liaison will carry on as it is vital to the prevention and control of infectious disease," he added.
During the meeting, delegates also shared their views on other long-term public health topics, including Chinese medicine development and co-operation, innovative medical technology and health policies in the face of an ageing population.
The Mainland and Macao delegations attending today's meeting were respectively led by the Vice Minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Mr Liu Qian, and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Cheong U. Hong Kong participants included the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Health), Mr Richard Yuen; the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan; the Chairman of the Hospital Authority, Professor John Leong; and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Leung Pak-yin.
Ends/Thursday, December 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:00
NNNN
