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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after officiating at the opening ceremony of the Health Promotion Symposium 2015 today (November 20):
Reporter: In regard to the declining number of new registered donors, do you think the situation is very concerning and what do you think are the reasons behind? How likely would the opt-out system be implemented in Hong Kong?
Secretary for Food and Health: We are indeed very concerned about the low organ donation rate in Hong Kong. We will further explore the different options which have been raised recently including the opt-out legislation. It is my intention to further study citizen's acceptance of such legislation and in the coming months opinion surveys among the public will be conducted. On the other hand, we need to double our efforts in education and promotion. One of the measures is to mobilise non-governmental organisations and healthcare organisations to mount forceful publicity campaigns, and at the same time to provide convenient means to the public to register as donors.
Reporter: Do you think that inconvenience is the major factor behind the declining rate?
Secretary for Food and Health: The traditional Chinese culture to respect the deceased and to maintain intact bodies perhaps are other reasons for the low organ donation rate in Hong Kong. I certainly believe that the sign-up rate would be boosted if we could provide convenient means to the public.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, November 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:29
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