10
Health
THE Medical and Health Department is carrying out an extensive development programme which includes the construction of at least four major acute government hospitals and 23 additional clinics and polyclinics in the coming 10 years.
On the construction side, the 1 600-bed Tuen Mun Hospital is due for completion in 1988, providing a comprehensive range of medical services for the west New Terri- tories region.
On Hong Kong Island, site formation work is being carried out for the 1 600-bed Pamela Youde Hospital, with construction work due for completion in 1991.
Work on Stage II of the extension to Queen Mary Hospital is expected to be completed in 1989, providing two multi-storey blocks with an addition of 844 beds, and some new psychiatric and paediatric facilities.
At the same time, funds have been approved for extensive redevelopment of the 280-bed Ruttonjee Sanatorium in Wan Chai, to convert it from an institution for chest and tuberculosis patients into a general hospital, with 614 beds.
During the year, work was also completed on two new government clinics, the Pamela Youde Polyclinic in Kwun Tong and the Mona Fong Clinic in Sai Kung.
After extensive consultation and careful consideration of the report on 'The Delivery of Medical Services in Hospitals', the government has agreed to the establishment of a statutory Hospital Authority to oversee the delivery of hospital services, and a provisional body is expected to be established on April 1, 1988.
The Working Party on Postgraduate Medical Education and Training, set up in October 1986, continued to examine the various aspects of postgraduate medical training in Hong Kong.
The working party includes 14 members from local universities, medical professional bodies, government and subvented hospitals, medical and health administration and the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee.
It is expected to make recommendations to the government within two years.
For the 1987-8 financial year, the Medical and Health Department's estimated expenditure is $2,996 million. In addition, subventions totalling $1,496 million are being made to many non-government medical institutions or organisations. The capital expenditure on new hospital projects and other buildings, including equipment and furniture, totals $539 million.
Health of the Community
The general level of health of the population remains good, largely due to anti-epidemic and disease surveillance measures, developments in preventive and personal health services, and a high standard of living. This progress is further reflected in the highly satisfactory health indices and the low incidence of major communicable diseases.
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