Wednesday, September 19, 1973
Mr. Lee was speaking at the ceremony at which prizes were awarded
to winners of the Christmas card design competition sponsored by the New Life
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association.
He said in other more advanced countries where programmes in mental
health and psychiatric rehabilitation are components of a well planned
social welfare policy, multiferious programmes oriented towards community
participation place much of the responsibility of rehabilitating the mentally
ill person on the authorities.
Psychiatric rehabilitation in Hong Kong, he said, is as yet at an
early stage of development. However, it is becoming increasingly important
as our society becomes more affluent, more advanced and more complicated.
"Sound mental health for the citizen is regarded as one of the
duties of the government. However, participation and involvement of volunteers
and voluntary agencies must operate fully in the provision of mental health
programmes.
"In Hong Kong, a number of government departments have been working
closely together to promote many aspects of mental health. The New Life
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, as a voluntary agency, has made
significant contributions," he said.
Implementation of the new five year plan would see substantial
expansion of service to the mentally ill and the Association, he said, with
its ambitious plan for the future, would certainly continue to play a vital
role.
Note to Editors:
Copies of Mr. Lee's speech in English and Chinese are distributed separately in the Press Boxes of the Government Information Services
this evening.
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