HEALTH
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December 31, 1992, more than 339 200 children from 1 112 schools have participated representing about 46 per cent of the eligible school population - and about 490 general medical practitioners have enlisted. Starting from November 1, 1992, each child has to pay $16 for each consultation made at the chosen medical practitioner's office. The government contributes $136 a year for each pupil enrolled and also bears the administrative cost.
School health service deals with the environmental health and sanitation of school premises and the control of communicable diseases. School health officers, health nurses and health inspectors make regular inspections of schools to advise on matters concern- ing the health of children and organise health education activities and immunisation campaigns.
Port Health
The Port Health Service is the control authority to prevent the entry of quarantinable diseases into Hong Kong via air, land, rail or sea and to enforce the measures stipulated under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance and the International Health Regulations.
A 24-hour health clearance service is provided for all incoming vessels, including those ferrying refugees, and radio pratiques are granted to ships. The service provides vaccination facilities and issues international vaccination certificates. It also inspects and - supervises the eradication of rats from ships on international voyages and ensures adequate standards of hygiene and sanitation on board vessels or aircraft. It provides medical assistance to ships and planes within the territory and gives medical advice to vessels at sea.
The food catering service for international airlines is kept under close surveillance by health staff to ensure that food and water supplied to flight kitchens is clean and safe. The hygiene and sanitation of the airport is also under the strict scrutiny of health staff.
The service regularly exchanges epidemiological information with the World Health Organisation in Geneva and its Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila, as well as with neighbouring countries.
Occupational Health
The Occupational Health Division of the Department of Health provides an advisory service to Government and the public on matters concerning the health of workers and the hygiene of workplaces. It also supervises the observance of occupational health standards and practices in the work place. The objectives of the division are to maintain and improve the physical and mental well-being of workers, to protect them against any health hazard arising from employment and to help them adjust to their jobs. The emphasis is on occupational disease prevention and health promotion. In 1992, the division continued to participate in occupational health activities organised to promote public awareness of the importance of health at work. The division itself also organised a large-scale exhibition on Occupational Health Perspective – Industrial Chemicals and You in early 1992.
Dental Services
The School Dental Service aims to promote dental health among primary school children. Services include regular dental examination, treatment and oral health education. Participation is voluntary at an annual fee of $10 per child. In the 1992-3 school year,
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