ENG-1995 — Page 197

HEALTH

charity organisations and 122 exempted clinics registered under the Medical Clinics Ordinance.

Health Education

The Department of Health's Central Health Education Unit plans, organises and promotes health education activities. In 1995, its focus included healthy lifestyles, organ donation, safe use of herbal medicine and prevention of accidents. The unit liaises closely with government and non-governmental organisations.

A computerised, 24-hour telephone health education system (2833 0111) delivers voice and fax messages on many health topics and attracts some 90 000 calls a month. With support from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, the unit is working on two innovative health promotion approaches. A sophisticated computer learning system will be installed in 1996, offering an interactive way to learn about 19 health topics. A new 'donormobile' van will start touring around Hong Kong in 1996, educating the public on organ donation.

The Health Ambassador Scheme continued to win acclaim in 1995. Volunteers were recruited and trained to carry out further health promotional activities in schools and among families. Special training courses and seminars were arranged for teachers. Health talks and presentations were delivered to schools, voluntary agencies, private companies and government departments.

Dental Services

The department's Dental Service aims to improve the oral health of the population. Activities targeted at all members of the public are organised throughout the year to raise the awareness of oral care. The community has benefited from the fluoridated water supply, resulting in a reduced rate of dental decay.

All of Hong Kong's 200 000 pre-school children are covered in an oral health education programme delivered through maternal and child health centres, kinder- gartens and pre-school centres. A further 380 000 primary school children (or 80 per cent), receive annual dental check-ups and basic dental care through the School Dental Care Service. The pilot Youth Dental Care Programme continued in Tuen Mun and Sha Tin in 1995. This provides continuity of care for more than 4 000 secondary school students.

The Dental Service also provides dental care to hospital patients and patients with special oral health needs. An emergency dental service is provided at several district dental clinics.

Family Health

The Family Health Service of the Department of Health offers a comprehensive health programme for women and children aged below six years through 46 maternal and child health centres. Immunisation, health advice, physical examination and comprehensive observation services are provided. During the year, about 94 per cent of new-born babies attended such centres. Antenatal, postnatal medical consultation and family planning services are available for women of child-bearing age. The first women's health centre opened in 1994 to provide a health promotion and screening programme for women aged 45 and above.

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