ENG-1997 — Page 221

HEALTH

areas for research, monitors drug-related studies and proposes action in the light of research findings. In 1997, four projects were identified by the Sub-committee for implementation.

The computerised Central Registry of Drug Abuse provides a useful means of monitoring changes in trends and characteristics of the local drug abuser population. It provides a database which facilitates the formulation and planning of effective and realistic anti-drugs policies. Statistical analyses were published twice during the year.

International Action

Hong Kong continued to support international action against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. Close links were maintained with the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, inter-governmental agencies such as the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, Interpol and the World Customs Organisation, as well as with individual governments. Joint operations resulted in significant seizures and confiscation of drug-related proceeds locally and overseas. Since July 1997, Hong Kong's participation in the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering has been in the name of 'Hong Kong, China'.

Hong Kong continued to support international co-operation in the provision of training for anti-drugs personnel. Anti-drugs personnel from different countries and international bodies came to the region on study visits and training courses during the year. The region also took part in 20 international meetings and seminars concerned with anti-drugs policies, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, and preventive education.

The Beat Drugs Fund

With a capital sum of $350 million as seed money, the Beat Drugs Fund continued to finance and promote worthwhile anti-drugs activities which could help reduce the problem of drug abuse, particularly among the young, and to support community- wide efforts and programmes in the campaign against drug abuse. During the year, $11.7 million was allocated to the second tranche of successful applications including $9 million on treatment and rehabilitation projects and $2.7 million on preventive education programmes. A review of the Beat Drugs Fund was conducted with focus on the funding criteria and the monitoring mechanism of the anti-drugs projects. supported by the fund. A third tranche of applications was invited in October.

Auxiliary Medical Service

The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) is established under the Auxiliary Medical Service Ordinance. It was formerly a unit of the Essential Services Corps established in 1950 under the Essential Services Corps Ordinance. The main role of the AMS is to augment regular medical and health services in times of natural disasters and emergencies, as well as to supplement regular medical services in times other than emergencies.

The AMS is a volunteer service with an establishment of 5 258 members and 99 permanent staff. Operational staff and members receive training in different areas, including disaster management, paramedic, casualty evacuation, life saving and home nursing. Senior AMS staff often attend emergency/disaster medicine conferences overseas or within the territory so as to maintain and update the service's standards.

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