Health | 175
measures stipulated by the International Health Regulations and the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance.
Travellers arriving in Hong Kong at various immigration control points are required to undergo temperature screening as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of them bringing avian influenza into Hong Kong. The Port Health Office also provides preventive services including medical consultation, vaccination, prophylactic medication and advice on travel-related risks to Hong Kong residents before they travel. The office has a working relationship with the travel industry. Travel health information is further disseminated via the website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk
Radiation Health
Under the Radiation Ordinance, the Radiation Board was set up to control the import, export, possession and use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. On the other hand, the Radiation Health Unit of the Department of Health advises the Government on the health effects of radiation fields and protection of public health in areas such as nuclear incidents and management of radioactive materials and wastes. It safeguards public health against ionising radiation through licensing control and inspection of premises where radioactive substances or irradiating apparatuses are present or in use. It also conducts health checks and radiation monitoring for radiological practitioners, maintains the radiation dosimetry metrology standards for environmental level and occupational protection level radiation dosimetry measurements of Hong Kong, and provides the related standard calibration services.
As a service improvement initiative, it has taken up the import licensing services for radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus from the Trade and Industry Department since July 10, 2006. This arrangement enables a 'one-stop shop' service for traders and users of radiation sources, and 'cradle to grave' management of radioactive substances, all under one centralised office.
In 2007, the unit assessed and issued 10 225 licences and permits according to the Radiation Ordinance, and 3 161 licences and permits according to the Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations, and provided monitoring service to 9 509 occupationally exposed persons. The average radiation exposure of the occupationally exposed persons was 0.08 mSv against an annual statutory limit of 20 mSv.
Training of Medical and Health Personnel
Doctors
The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong provide basic training of doctors. They took in 129 and 130 medical students respectively in 2007. During the year, 18 medical graduates with professional qualifications obtained outside Hong Kong passed the licensing examination conducted by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine is an independent statutory body with the authority to approve, assess and accredit specialist training within the medical and dental professions. Its 15 colleges conduct training and examinations to award specialist qualifications to qualifying candidates.