ENG-2002 — Page 525

HISTORY

to $32.12 billion in 2002-03. At the same time, social services have developed from providing emergency relief into today's diversified and comprehensive network.

Medical and health services are undergoing continuous development programmes. In 2002, phase one redevelopment works for Caritas Medical Centre and Kowloon Hospital were completed. Construction works for other major hospital projects, at a total estimated cost of $5.8 billion, would be completed over the next five years.

With improvements in socio-economic conditions, education, housing, sanitation, nutrition and the introduction of a comprehensive childhood immunisation programme, Hong Kong has witnessed a remarkable decline in the incidence of infectious diseases. An effective disease surveillance system, which comprises clinics, hospitals and laboratories in public and private sectors, is in place to monitor trends and identify any outbreak of disease. A new Public Health Laboratory Centre established in 2001 strengthens the ability to provide good quality laboratory support. With a high polio immunisation rate, coupled with a high level of vigilance, Hong Kong was certified polio-free in 2000. The major health indicators such as life expectancy at birth and infant mortality rate are among the best in the world.

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.

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