22 -
The choice of whether to opt for the new employment terms is very much a personal decision, as indicated by the fact that over 8,000 (41%) civil servants working in the Hospital Authority have chosen to retain their present status. Given the prevalence of concern among Honourable Members, we will initiate discussion with the Authority on questions related to staff employment terms. We must, however, proceed with caution in the interest of staff morale and quality of service.
Health Care and Promotion Fund
Turning to primary health care, I have emphasised many times in the past the importance which I attach to the shift in focus towards promotion of health and prevention of disease. I am therefore pleased and encouraged by Honourable Members' support for the Health Care and Promotion Fund, which will provide a considerable boost to this process. The purpose of the Fund is to finance worthwhile projects relating to health promotion, preventive care and related research as well as for treatment of rare diseases. It will have a capital injection of $80 million.
Health Education
Dr Hon Huang Chen-ya quite rightly pointed out the importance of health education. Apart from the Health Care and Promotion Fund, the new Student Health Service, woman health centres, elderly health centres and the many activities organised by the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority and many community organisations, form an integrated and comprehensive approach to improving the general health of our community.
Preventive Healthcare Services
On disease prevention, we agree with the views expressed by Hon Members that our healthcare policy should focus increasingly on the prevention of modern "killer" diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. We are therefore aiming to reduce the incidence of such diseases. However, it is necessary to bear in mind that the general health of the community depends not only on our healthcare services, but also other factors, such as housing, education, environment, nutrition and lifestyle. These do not normally show their effect in the short term. It is, therefore, often difficult to set measurable health targets. However, we remain fully committed to strengthening our activities in this area.