HEALTH
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During the year, infectious diseases that cause considerable public concern included enterovirus infections, cholera cases and food poisoning outbreaks caused by coral reef fish and clenbuterol-tainted pig offal. Prompt control measures were introduced to contain the spread of diseases.
Children in Hong Kong are immunised against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella. Due to high vaccine coverage, diseases such as diphtheria and poliomyelitis have been virtually eradicated and the incidence of preventable infectious diseases among children is relatively low.
At the end of 1998, the cumulative total number of reported HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) cases were about 1200 and 400, respectively. Sexual transmission remains the most important mode of spread of the infection. In 1998, the Advisory Council on AIDS conducted a comprehensive review on the HIV/AIDS situation and programme in Hong Kong. The main recommendations were: enhancement of community participation, commitment to quality care, focus on prevention, and emphasis on programme evaluation.
Hospital and Development Programmes
Demand for hospital services remained high. In 1998, there were 1 025 000 hospital discharges and deaths and 7 804 000 attendances at out-patient and specialist clinics. Accident and emergency departments of major public hospitals had 2 305 000 attendances -- or 6 300 per day.
Projects in the hospital development programme progressed satisfactorily. The 1 020-bed Tai Po Hospital and the 618-bed North District Hospital came into operation in January and February respectively. The Tseung Kwan O Hospital and Kowloon Medical Rehabilitation Centre were being built. Several other hospitals and specialist clinics were undergoing redevelopment or major refurbishment.
Primary Health Care
Primary health care, which emphasises the promotion of general health and prevention of disease, is recognised world-wide as the most cost-effective way to provide health care services.
District Health System
The District Health System is a framework to facilitate the delivery of primary health care services relevant to the needs of the community. It emphasises a teamwork approach among health care providers and encourages collaboration. District health committees, with members drawn from community service providers and the public, serve as a forum for community participation in district health issues. In 1998, efforts were made to support the 'Healthy Living into the 21st Century' campaign so as to achieve the objective of health promotion and increasing community awareness of health.
Clinics
The Department of Health operates 63 general out-patient clinics, providing affordable primary care to the public. Mobile dispensaries, floating clinics and a
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