XN000022-1973-07-31 — Page 5

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Tuesday, July 31, 1973

REPORT ON FUTURE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT BEING STUDIED

The report of the Medical Development Advisory Committee on the

improvement and expansion of medical and health services in Hong Kong over

the next 10 years has been completed, and is now being studied by the government.

The chairman, Dr. Sir Albert Rodrigues, signed and submitted the

report to the Governor before the July 31 deadline set by Sir Murray MacLehose

himself when he appointed the committee at the end of March this year.

The committee's terms of reference are: "To keep under continuous

review and to advise on the development and phased implementation of medical

and health services in Hong Kong, having regard to all factors which would

determine the progress of expansion including financial, the rate of

building construction, the availability of qualified staff, and the principles

of subvention."

Commenting on the report, Sir Albert said today: "Submission of the

report embodying our proposals is not the end of the committee's work. We

have adhered to our deadline, but many aspects of medical and health development

in the next decade upon which we have touched will have to be reviewed, and

if necessary revised, as time goes on."

The recommendations take account of immediate and future requirements

of the community on matters affecting medical and health. Full details will

be published in a few weeks for public information and comment.

The report itself is expected to be tabled early in the next session

of the Legislative Council beginning on October 17.

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