XN000022-1996-07-10 — Page 60

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In the Strategic Plan, the Council has identified 74 key tasks under four broad goals access, excellence, resources and advocacy. In order to carry out these tasks,

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the Council has proposed 292 action steps to be implemented during the five-year period ending 2001.

The Council began to implement the 5-Year Strategic Plan on 1 April 1996. To date, the Council has commenced implementing 59 of the 74 key tasks, and 157 of the 292 action steps.

End

Medical treatment for overseas visitors

Following is a question by the Hon Cheung Hon-Chung and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Reply:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

Mr President,

whether non-Hong Kong residents can receive treatment in the casualty departments of public hospitals in the territory; if so, how the relevant charges are collected from such persons; in case of default, what actions are taken to recover the arrears from such persons, and what the results of such actions are; and

whether it has signed agreement with any countries and regions which will enable residents of these territories to receive free emergency medical treatment in each other's territory on a reciprocal basis; if so, what the details are; if not, why not?

In keeping with our policy that no one should be prevented from obtaining adequate medical treatment due to lack of means, accident and emergency services are provided free of charge by the Hospital Authority and the Department of Health, except in the case of one ex-subvented hospital where a nominal fee of $34 for Hong Kong residents and $175 for overseas visitors is imposed for historical reasons. Action is being taken to standardise the practice across all public hospitals.

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