End
(b)
(c)
· 14 -
The use of protease inhibitors, drug combinations and viral load measurement for patients is decided by the attending doctor based on clinical indications and established treatment protocols. The introduction of any new drug within the public hospitals and Department of Health's clinics is governed by established mechanisms whereby assessment has to be made to the risks and benefits, supporting scientific evidence of clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness before approval can be given for the procurement of the new drug. New investigative procedures follow a similar approach.
Both the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority follow similar procedures to subject requests for new drugs or new treatment methods to medical technology assessment which include cost benefit analysis and evidence based medical practice considerations to optimise healthcare benefits within the resources available. Funding for research in HIV/AIDS is available in tertiary institutions and funds such as AIDS Trust Fund.
Salary scales for academic staff of UGC-funded institutions
Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li Ka-cheung and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is learnt that in many overseas universities different salary levels are set for teaching staff of different departments. In this connection, does the Government know whether:
(a)
(b)
the current salary levels of teaching staff of different departments holding similar positions in the territory's universities are the same; and
the authorities will consider conducting a study on the feasibility of setting the salary levels of university teaching staff according to the supply and demand in the market, if not, why not?