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are made in the following aspects, and the worry of excessive surplus will be removed.
First, I have been told by many fellow workers that the level of compensation provided by the fund can hardly make their ends meet. It is learnt that the amount of compensation generally awarded is about $50,000 to $60,000.
However, given
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the fact that people showing the syndrome of pneumoconiosis are, in most cases, incapacitated and aged workers, the amount of compensation can only meet their daily expenses for to four years, not to mention their need to receive long-term medical treatments. In dealing with the huge surplus accumulated in the Fund, I feel that, in addition to the provision of compensation, the Board should consider making available long-term support to the pneumoconiotics so as to finance their livings and the medical expenses incurred.
Secondly, while further legislation was enacted by the Government in 1986 to control the use of asbestos and provide that employers are required to arrange regular medical examinations for their employees, it must be noted that the use of asbestos is not the only cause of pneumoconiosis. Prevention is better than cure. It would be more desirable if annual medical examinations could be provided for all workers who have a higher chance of contracting pneumoconiosis. Indeed, many fellow workers have expressed their worry over the possibility of contracting this disease. They would like to have prompt and timely knowledge of their health conditions. Hence, it appears that the accumulated surplus of the fund may well be utilized in the provision of this service.
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Furthermore, as it is now within the authority of the Fund Board to organize or sponsor educational, publicity and
research programmes on pneumoconiosis, I hope that, in addition to inviting academic organisations to participate in research work, the Board will also assist in other related publicity,
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