Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Kick-off Ceremony of the 100th Anniversary of the Department of Medicine of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) cum Opening of the 27th Hong Kong Medical Forum today (May 13):

Ms Priscilla Wong (Chairman of the HKU Council), Professor Rosie Young (Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor of the Department of Medicine of the School of Clinical Medicine of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of HKU), Professor Wallace Lau (Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of HKU), Professor Tse Hung-fat (Chairperson of the Department of Medicine of the School of Clinical Medicine of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of HKU), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     I was very touched and really felt very grateful when I just heard the music in the video. I think everyone of you share the same feeling. I want to make use of this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the medical profession and all the heroes that have been fighting this persistent war against sickness for the good of Hong Kong. Let's give a round of applause to all the heroes.

     I was touched also by not just the professionalism of our medical colleagues, but the warmth and the soft side that they have displayed in this music video. So I want to tell everybody from now on that it is not just the helpful attitude and the kind hearts of the medical professionals in Hong Kong, it is also their love and passion for Hong Kong that have been fully expressed in this very lovely music video. And I really thank the team that is behind this production and for the very great idea that this music video wants to tell everybody. Another round of applause please.

     It is my great pleasure to join you at the opening of the 27th Hong Kong Medical Forum, organised by the Department of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong. 

     This annual forum is a flagship event that provides an important learning and communication platform for the training of tomorrow's doctors along their professional journey. May I express my warmest welcome to the distinguished guests and globally renowned scholars present here today for supporting this meaningful event.

     At this year's medical forum, we celebrate medicine – not only the academic discipline, but also the very Department of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, for you are turning 100 years old this year. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to the Department on the centenary of your founding. Happy birthday and many happy returns!

     Since its establishment in 1923, the Department of Medicine has been committed to making a difference in the world by improving public health.

     Through advancing health care, medical education and research, the Department has stood by its mission and always strives for excellence in teaching, research and clinical service in medicine.

     Over the past century, you have made notable achievements to advancing knowledge and research, nurturing talents and leaders, and delivering first-class clinical services to the community.

     The Department, as a member of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine's School of Clinical Medicine, has established itself as a centre of excellence regionally and internationally. I am proud to note that with your collective efforts, the University of Hong Kong's subject of medicine is now ranked Asia's Number 2. 

     Your persistent contribution to the medical sector is described aptly by this year's forum theme, "Safeguarding Human Health for a Century and Beyond".

     Public health security is a major area of national security. I commend the contribution of the Department of Medicine in safeguarding public health and in maintaining the safety and quality of healthcare services and the public healthcare system, thereby protecting the people's well-being. 

     The Hong Kong SAR Government is devoted to enhancing healthcare services provided to the people of Hong Kong. For that, we have put forward the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, with a vision to improve the overall health status of the population, provide accessible and coherent healthcare services, and establish a sustainable healthcare system. We have also extended the coverage of district health service to all 18 districts in Hong Kong.

     In this financial year, we will provide a recurrent subvention of some 90 billion Hong Kong Dollars to the Hospital Authority, representing an increase of close to 6 per cent from last year, after excluding provisions for tackling the pandemic.

     The additional resources will enhance such areas as clinical services for patients suffering from serious diseases, providing additional public hospital beds and operating theatre sessions, a new service for drug collection and delivery, and promoting the use of telehealth services.

     Ladies and gentlemen, medicine is crucial to society. Medical professionals played a vital role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been on the frontlines of curing patients, developing treatments and vaccination, and educating the public on healthcare measures. The concerted efforts of the medical sector in promoting public health deserve our utmost respect and continuous support.

     Please join me in giving another round of your most enthusiastic applause to our medical professionals!

     Last but not least, my congratulations again to the Department of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong as well as your staff, students and alumni.

     I am confident that the Department will build on past successes and scale new heights in the next century.

     To our speakers and participants, I wish you an inspiring and rewarding medical forum. Thank you.

Ends/Saturday, May 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:37

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