XN000022-1996-01-24 — Page 66

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Non-discriminatory policy on AIDS

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Edward Leong Che-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Since the signing of the Community Charter on AIDS by the Government and the Hospital Authority (HA) a year ago, will the Administration inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

whether the 'non-discriminatory policy on AIDS' has been promulgated in the work place of Government departments and public hospitals under the management of HA as stipulated in the Charter, if so, what measures have been taken by the Government and HA to promote the policy among the 180,000 civil servants and 40,000 HA staff;

if the answer to (a) is in the negative, whether a time schedule for carrying out all the commitments stipulated in the Charter has been drawn up by the Government and HA; and

how long it will take to provide AIDS education in the work place to all civil servants and HA staff?

Reply:

(a)

Both the Government and Hospital Authority (HA) have promulgated a 'non-discriminatory policy on AIDS'.

The Government's policy was formally promulgated to all Government branches and departments in a Civil Service Branch Circular issued on 9 January 1996. A copy is attached. A designated senior officer in each branch and department will co-ordinate the implementation of the AIDS policy, including the handling in confidence of AIDS related enquiries. Education programmes such as workshops and seminars will be organised, with the assistance of the Department of Health, for staff.