ENG-2001 — Page 530

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HISTORY

developed from providing emergency relief into today's diversified and comprehensive network.

Medical and health services are also undergoing continuous development programmes. In 2001, construction works for the Ambulatory Care Centre of Tuen Mun Hospital were completed. Construction works for other major hospital projects, at a total estimated cost of $3.5 billion, would be completed over the next five years. With improvements in education, housing, sanitation and the introduction of a childhood immunisation programme, the SAR has witnessed a remarkable decline in the incidence of infectious diseases. The major health indicators such as life expectancy at birth and infant mortality rate are among the best in the world. A new Public Health Laboratory Centre built in 2001 will strengthen the ability to provide good quality laboratory support in surveillance and control of infectious diseases.

A comprehensive system of labour legislation has been developed to provide for employees' benefits and protection, employees' compensation, occupational safety and health. Free employment services are provided to help job-seekers find work and employers to recruit staff. The Employees Retraining Board provides quality retraining courses and services to the unemployed and potentially unemployed in order to enhance their employability and meet the needs of employers and the Hong Kong economy.