ENG-1993 — Page 199

HEALTH

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service is provided through a network of eight hospital stations and 40 satellite centres. During the year, 19 439 patients were served and 277 335 home visits were made.

Health Education

The Central Health Education Unit of the Department of Health is responsible for the planning, organisation and promotion of health education activities. In 1993, it focussed on the prevention of communicable diseases such as hepatitis A and diarrhoeal diseases, organ donation, mental health, self-care and prevention of cancer, among other areas.

The theme of the major health education campaign for the year was 'Treasure Life, Prevent Injury'. A series of programmes — including a 24-hour, pre-recorded telephone information service, competitions for students and the public, and health news arranged. An exhibition was also held in October.

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Special training courses were arranged for students and teachers, notably the 14th Young Health Leaders' Training Course in July. Health talks and presentations were delivered to schools, voluntary agencies, private companies and government departments. Health education materials, such as pamphlets, cassettes, slides, videos and exhibits, were produced for distribution or loan. Selected video titles have been on sale since July.

A new health education centre in Tsuen Wan was opened in August to improve services for the region.

Close liaison is maintained with both government and non-government organisations in - promoting health education activities.

Smoking and Health

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 the government on matters relating to smoking and health. During the year, the council conducted publicity campaigns with particular emphasis on discouraging young people from smoking. Its volunteer anti-smoking ambassadors also travelled around Hong Kong, reminding passengers that smoking has been prohibited in all forms of public transport since 1992.

Following a public consultation exercise, the government announced a package of new anti-smoking proposals in September. These will extend existing requirements for health warnings on cigarette packaging and advertising to cigars and pipe tobacco; prohibit the sale (or giving for the purpose of promotion) of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18; and require all restaurants to display a sign stating whether they have a no-smoking area. Legislation giving effect to these proposals is expected to be introduced in 1994.

Medical Charges

The government is committed to the policy that no one should be 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 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.