Health
purposes, and prohibits commercial dealings in embryos or gametes and the use of donated gametes in surrogacy arrangements. Reproductive technology service providers and embryo researchers who wish to conduct relevant activities under the ordinance must apply for a licence issued by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology set up under the legislation. As at the end of 2017, the council had issued 48 valid licences, including 17 treatment licences, 29 artificial insemination-by-husband licences and two research licences.
The council's Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research sets out the requirements, standards and good practices for embryo researchers and reproductive technology practitioners.
Port Health
To prevent and control the cross-boundary spread of infectious and other serious diseases into and out of Hong Kong, the department's Port Health Office enforces quarantine measures according to the International Health Regulations and the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. Travellers arriving at boundary control points are required to undergo temperature screening as a precautionary measure.
The office also operates two travel health centres to provide outbound travellers with disease preventive services, including medical consultation, vaccination, prophylactic medication and advice on travel-related risks. It works closely with the travel industry and provides travel health information on the department's website.
Radiation Health
Set up under the Radiation Ordinance, the independent Radiation Board controls the import, export, possession and use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. The board's executive arm is the department's Radiation Health Unit, which carries out licensing controls and inspects radioactive substances or irradiating apparatus. It also provides health surveillance and radiation monitoring for radiation workers, maintains metrology standards in radiation dosimetry measurements and provides the related standard calibration services. The unit advises on the management of radioactive substances and wastes and, in case of nuclear incidents, on matters concerning the protection of public health.
Training of Medical Personnel
Doctors
Degree courses in medicine and surgery are offered at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), which admitted a total of 470 medical students to their bachelor's degree programmes in 2017. Another 53 medical graduates with professional qualifications obtained outside Hong Kong passed licensing examinations conducted by the Medical Council of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine is an independent statutory body which approves, assesses and accredits specialist training within the medical and dental professions. Its 15 colleges conduct training and examinations to award specialist qualifications.
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