XN000022-1973-09-19 — Page 5

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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