HEALTH
Volunteer Group took part in district campaigns and organised several community involvement projects, including a charity walk for the Community Chest in November. A new Anti-drug Abuse Line (Tel. 2366 8822) was launched in June 1996. Apart from providing information on the harmful effects of drugs, the new system also provides information on prevention of drug abuse, as well as treatment and rehabilitation services. Members of the public may also obtain information from the 24-hour automated telephone enquiry service through facsimile. A total of 58 612 calls were received during the year.
Research
Drug-related research is conducted to give a better portrait of the drug scene. It is co- ordinated by the ACAN Sub-committee on Research, which recommends specific areas for research, advises on research methodology and proposes action in the light of research findings. In 1996, three projects were identified for implementation.
The computerised Central Registry of Drug Abuse provides a useful means of monitoring changes in trends or characteristics of the local drug abuser population. It provides a database which facilitates the formulation and planning of effective and realistic anti-drug policies. Statistical analyses were published twice during the year.
International Action
Hong Kong continued to support international action against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. Close links were maintained with the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, individual governments and inter- governmental agencies such as the Financial Action Task Force, Interpol and the World Customs Organisation. Joint operations resulted in significant seizures and confiscation of drug-related proceeds locally and overseas. The territory took part in 18 international meetings and seminars concerned with anti-drug policies, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive education.
Hong Kong continued to support international co-operation in the provision of training for anti-drug personnel. During the year, anti-drug personnel from different countries and international bodies came to the territory on study visits and training courses. Co-operation also continued with foreign jurisdictions to provide mutual assistance in the fight against international drug trafficking and money laundering. In January 1996, the Hong Kong Government initialled a bilateral agreement with Thailand for mutual legal assistance in the investigation of drug trafficking and confiscation of proceeds of such crime. Bilateral agreements with the United States and Malaysia were also extended during the year.
Auxiliary Medical Services
The Auxiliary Medical Services (AMS), established in 1950, is a disciplined medical civil defence corps providing supplementary resources to augment regular medical and health services during natural disasters and emergencies. In recent years, the AMS has promoted public awareness of disaster medicine in Hong Kong.
It has 87 permanent staff and 5 258 volunteers from all walks of life, including senior professionals, physicians, nurses, paramedical personnel, civil servants and laymen in the private sector. The Director of Health is the Commissioner of AMS and is responsible to the Governor for its efficient operation.
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