TNAG-0507-FCO40-572-Development-of-medical-and-health-services-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 49

PREFACE

In March 1973 the Government appointed the Medical Develop- ment Advisory Committee (MDAC) with the following terms of reference:

'To keep under continuous review and to advise on the development and phased implementation of medical and health services in Hong Kong having regard to all factors which would determine the progress of expansion including financial, the rate of building construction and the availability of qualified staff, and on the principles of subvention.'

At that time the period covered by the 1964 White Paper on Medical and Health Services was coming to an end. The Com- mittee were therefore given also the following special remit:

'Having regard to the fact that the targets of the 1964 White Paper for the Medical and Health Services have been largely achieved, to advise on what programmes of improve- ment and expansion would be appropriate over the next 10 years in the circumstances of Hong Kong, and for this purpose to recommend:

(a) the general standards to be achieved by 1983; (b) the priorities, both functional and geographical of the major projects necessary to achieve these standards; (c) the phasing of such projects over the period 1973-82, with estimates of annual increased needs for staff, buildings and money;

(d) any other matters they consider relevant to the pream-

ble to this paragraph.

2. To make recommendations on how a more even use could be achieved of Government and Government-assisted hospital beds.

3. To give an estimate of the requirements of the public and private sectors during the period under review for doctors

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