ENG-2001 — Page 228

HEALTH

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The international trend has been to focus on the development of ambulatory and community care programmes. In line with this development, starting from 2001-02, the allocation of public funding for public hospital services has been changed from the facility-based approach to the population-based approach so as to encourage the mobilisation of resources from institutions to community settings. The new funding arrangement has facilitated the further development of the Hospital Authority's ambulatory and community outreach programmes.

Projects in the hospital development programme progressed satisfactorily. The Ambulatory Care Centre of Tuen Mun Hospital was completed. Several other hospitals and specialist clinics were undergoing redevelopment or major

refurbishment.

Primary Health Care

Family Health

The Family Health Service provides a comprehensive range of health promotion and disease prevention services for babies and young children aged from birth to five years and women aged 64 or below. The service operates through 50 Maternal and Child Health Centres and three Woman Health Centres. Physical examination, immunisation and developmental monitoring are offered to children, while antenatal, postnatal and family planning services are provided for women of child-bearing age at all Maternal and Child Health Centres. Parents are empowered to promote physical and mental health of their children in the family through health education and counselling. About 49 per cent and 95 per cent respectively of expectant mothers and newborns attended maternal and child health centres in 2001. Health promotion and disease prevention programmes are delivered to women aged 64 or below at the three Woman Health Centres.

The Government-subvented Family Planning Association of Hong Kong runs eight birth control clinics, three youth health care centres, a mobile clinic and six women's clubs which provide sexual and reproductive health services, education and information. The services encompass fertility regulation, gynaecological check-up, pre-marital and pre-pregnancy preparation, menopause service and youth counselling. A Well Men Clinic and medical abortion service were introduced in mid-2001. The association also offers training in family life education and sex education, and organises outreaching activities and publicity campaigns to promote family planning and responsible parenthood.

Student Health

The Student Health Service places emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and continuity of care. Its 12 student health service centres and three special assessment centres provide free health assessment, health education and individual health counselling to all primary and secondary school students. School health inspectors visit schools regularly regarding environmental hygiene and sanitation. School health officers and nurses advise on the control of communicable diseases and organise health education activities and immunisation campaigns.