XN000022-1995-11-08 — Page 92

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Student Health Service

Following is a question by the Hon David Chu Yu-lin and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In regard to the Student Health Service, will the Administration inform this Council of:

(a) the measures taken to ensure that the 200 newly recruited physicians can provide thorough medical check-up for the entire student population:

(b) the measure taken to enable outpatient clinics in the territory to cope with the increase in caseload as a result of the cancellation of the old student health scheme:

and

(c) the assistance provided to those families who are unable to meet the increase in medical fees under the new Service?

Reply:

(a) A total of 138 staff, comprising 13 doctors, 55 nurses and 70 other supporting staff has been assigned to the Student Health Service, which commenced in September this year for 451,000 primary school students. Another 104 staff will be assigned to the second phase of the Student Health Service for secondary school students in September 1996. Each participating student will be given an annual appointment for a comprehensive health programme designed according to the health needs of the student at various stages of his development. This includes health assessment, individual counselling and health education. Those found to have problems will be referred to the Special Assessment Centre for further assessment and follow-up or to the appropriate specialities for further management. The appointments can also be changed if necessary. The service will be closely monitored. After three months' operation, the Department of Health will carry out an interim review to see what improvements, if any, are needed.