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ONE of the cornerstones of the Government's health care policies is that no one should be denied adequate medical treatment through lack of means. The public health care sector provides a range of services and facilities to meet the health care needs of the community.
Organisational Framework
The Health and Welfare Bureau is responsible for, among others, the policy formulation and resource allocation for health in Hong Kong. It also oversees implementation of policies to protect and promote public health, to provide comprehensive and lifelong holistic care to each citizen, and to ensure that no one is denied adequate medical treatment due to lack of means. In June 2001, a Research Office was established within the Health and Welfare Bureau. The goals are to strengthen the Government's research capabilities in health policy matters and contribute to the agenda of maximising health for the people of Hong Kong.
The Department of Health is the Government's health adviser and regulatory authority. It safeguards the community's health through a range of promotional, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services. It also works with the private sector and teaching institutions to protect public health.
The Hospital Authority is a statutory body established in 1990 under the Hospital Authority Ordinance to manage all public hospitals. It provides medical treatment and rehabilitation services to patients through hospitals, specialist clinics and outreaching services.
In December, 10 412 doctors were registered with the Medical Council of Hong Kong and 42 032 nurses were registered with the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. There were 34 860 hospital beds in Hong Kong, representing 5.1 beds per thousand population: 29 243 beds in hospitals run by the Hospital Authority, 2 902 in private hospitals, 1980 in nursing homes and 710 in correctional institutions. The Department of Health also provides 25 beds for general out-patient clinics and maternity homes located in the outlying islands.
Health Care Reform
In December 2000, the Health and Welfare Bureau published a Consultation Document on Health Care Reform, which sets out strategic reform proposals to improve the service delivery, quality assurance and long-term financial sustainability of the health care system of Hong Kong. The vision is to create a health care system