HEALTH
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The Pharmaceutical Service meets the requirements for drugs, dressings, surgical instru- ments and hospital sundries of all government hospitals, clinics and health centres including government-assisted medical institutions. The service also supervises and enforces laws pertaining to the control of dangerous drugs, poisons and antibiotics as governed by the respective ordinances. A forensic pharmacy section has been set up with the expansion of the pharmacy inspectorate services to tighten the existing control over the distribution and sales of drugs under the Pharmacy and Poisons (Amendment) Ordinance 1980,
The Institute of Radiology and Oncology produces diagnostic and therapeutic services in hospitals and clinics. It handles more than 90 per cent of the patients requiring radiother- apy. The institute also operates a cancer chemotherapy service and cancer registry.
Besides the establishment of a radioisotope laboratory, staff of the Radiation Physic Division undertake regular inspection visits to medical, commercial and industrial premises to monitor the working conditions of radiation workers and to ensure that radioactive equipment and irradiating apparatus are well maintained and the handling of radioactive substances is safely controlled in accordance with the Radiation Ordinance and Regula- tions.
Community Nursing
The Community Nursing Service extends care to patients discharged from hospitals after acute illness, and provides domiciliary medical care for the sick, the disabled and the elderly in their homes.
To assess the effectiveness of the service, a consultative committee has been set up to evaluate the progress of the scheme and to ensure the uniformity of standards. At the end of the year there were 29 centres, and special sub-centres were established in all the major hospitals to facilitate effective services.
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During the year 9 620 new patients were attended by community nurses and more than 162 800 home visits were made.
Health Education
The Medical and Health Department plans and implements health education programmes independently and in co-operation with other voluntary agencies.
Major projects during the year on the health hazards of smoking included an anti-cancer campaign organised with the Hong Kong Anti-cancer Society and the Stoma Association of Hong Kong, followed by an anti-smoking campaign co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Anti-cancer Society, the Hong Kong Cardiological Society and the Hong Kong Heart Foundation Ltd. Combined efforts were made by the Education Department and the Central Health Education Unit of the Medical and Health Department to introduce anti-smoking messages into the school curriculum and to assist schools in organising their own anti-smoking projects and campaigns.
In response to the International Year of Disabled Persons, a major mental health campaign was organised with various organisations. Events included exhibitions, public lectures, seminars, workshops and radio programmes.
Medical Fees
The charge for a consultation at a government clinic has been set at $3 since 1980. This fee includes medicine as well as X-ray examinations and laboratory tests. If a patient requires a specialist's opinion, he is referred to a polyclinic for consultation, which also costs $3 a visit. The fee may be waived if people genuinely are unable to afford it. Free services continue to