XN000022-1995-03-29 — Page 47

+

23

We share Members' view that we should also look to alternative medicine as a cost effective way to provide preventive healthcare services. We are taking steps to recognise, promote and regulate traditional Chinese medicine so that it can develop in a more healthy, systematic and proactive manner for the benefit of the community. This is part of our philosophy of encouraging the private sector to provide primary health care. The Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine has just been formed and I look forward to the Committee's advice on a number of important issues related to this complex subject.

Nursing Degree Programme

I am pleased to note Hon Michael Ho's support for our plans to increase the number of first year first degree places for school leavers wishing to start their career in the nursing profession. This could not have been possible without the prompt response and co-operation by the University Grants Committee and individual tertiary institutions. The phased increase from 40 to 180 places is already a significant achievement, and we will review the need for further expansion of this programme in the light of prevailing demand and manpower requirements.

Conclusion

I should like to conclude by referring to one of the most significant new initiatives for 1995 contained in the Budget. Most Members have welcomed the $2.5 billion which has been earmarked by the Financial Secretary to purchase premises. over the next two years for welfare and rehabilitation services. This is a positive. response to a major problem we had been facing in keeping our ambitious expansion programme on track. We will now be able to meet our targets by 1997 for elderly. family and child care services, and for rehabilitation one year later.

I thank Members for their support for the ambitious programme of work which I shall be undertaking in 1995/96 and I look forward to significant progress being

made in that

year.

Thank you.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995