Press Releases
SAR doctors will join exchange programme with Mainland
The SAR and the Mainland will work on the proposal to formulate an exchange training programme in epidemiology for doctors and to build a network of expertise in the investigation and control of infectious diseases.
This would increase the capacity of both places in handling infectious diseases, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong told reporters in Beijing today (November 18).
Speaking at the end of his three-day visit, Dr Yeoh said the Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health, Mr Gao Qiang, reacted positively to his proposal for such an exchange programme, as did the Singapore Ministry of Health during his recent visit there.
After meeting with Mr Gao, Dr Yeoh and the Hong Kong delegation visited the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, a designated SARS hospital, to see the isolation facilities and discuss with the staff the infection control measures taken in the hospital and treatment protocol.
Earlier in the day, Dr Yeoh met with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Qi Jingfa. The Ministry and the SAR will step up communication on infectious diseases in animals to safeguard public health.
The high-powered Hong Kong delegation, led by Dr Yeoh, arrived in Beijing on November 16 to strengthen ties with various Mainland authorities.
In the past three days, the delegation met with Mr Chen Zuoer, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council; Mr An Min, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce; Mr Li Changjiang, Minister of the State General Administration on Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ); Mr Qi Jingfa; and Mr Gao Qiang.
Dr Yeoh yesterday signed a co-operation arrangement on behalf of the SAR with the AQSIQ on closer communication, inspection and quarantine matters. The inspection and quarantine procedures have a pivotal role in the control of communicable diseases and protecting public health.
The delegation comprised the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Thomas Chan; the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Gregory Leung; and the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan.
Ends/Tuesday, November 18, 2003
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