ENG-1992 — Page 179

HEALTH

smoking policy, the new law further prohibits smoking in public places and public transport, limits tobacco advertising, restricts the tar content in cigarettes and conveys stronger health warnings to the public. Following this, the government launched a consultation exercise from August to October to solicit views on proposals furthering restrictions on the use, sale and promotion of tobacco products.

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health is an independent statutory body established in 1987 to acquire and disseminate information on the health hazards of using tobacco products and to advise government on matters related to tobacco and health. During the year, the Council conducted publicity campaigns with particular emphasis on discouraging young people from smoking. With a $2 million grant from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, it completed a year-long youth project in collaboration with the Community Youth Club of the Education Department with the aim of promoting a happy and healthy lifestyle among young people without addiction to smoking. More than 500 schools have taken part in various activities, involving hundreds of thousands of students.

Medical Charges

The government is committed to the policy that no one is denied adequate medical treatment through lack of means. Medical charges remain low, reflecting a substantial subsidy from public funds. Patients in general wards of public hospitals are charged $43 a day and the fee covers everything from meals, medicine and investigation tests, to surgery or any other treatment required. The charge may be reduced or waived in cases of hardship certified by a medical social worker. A limited number of private beds are provided at major public hospitals with higher maintenance and treatment charges.

The charge for consultation at general out-patient clinics is $21, while that for specialist clinics is $33. Charges for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and child assessment services are $33. Attendance at geriatric or psychiatric day centres and home visits by community nurses cost $34. These fees may also be waived if warranted.

The charge for injections and dressings in general out-patient clinics is $9, while charges for visits to family planning clinics and methadone clinics remain at $1. These levels of charges reflect substantial subsidies from public funds.

Free medical services continued to be offered at maternal and child health centres, tuberculosis and chest clinics, social hygiene clinics, and accident and emergency departments.

Training of Medical and Health Personnel

The basic training of doctors is provided by the University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Graduates of the two medical schools are conferred degrees which are recognised by the General Medical Council of Great Britain. The medical student intake at the University of Hong Kong was 163 in 1992 and 155 in the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Under the Licentiate Scheme of the Hong Kong Medical Council, 35 externally-trained doctors passed the local licentiate examination in 1992. After satisfactory completion of an externship programme in public hospitals, they will become registered medical practitioners.

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