ENG-2003 — Page 224

HEALTH

176

Training of Medical and Health Personnel

The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong provide basic training of doctors. They took in 141 and 140 medical students, respectively, in 2003. During the year, seven doctors holding professional qualifications obtained outside Hong Kong had passed the Licensing Examination conducted by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. Training in dentistry is available at the University of Hong Kong, which enrolled 40 dentists in 2003.

The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine is an independent statutory body with the authority to approve, assess and accredit specialist training within the medical and dental professions. Its 15 colleges conduct training and examinations to award specialist qualifications to qualifying candidates.

The University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the School of General Nursing of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital of the Hospital Authority provide basic training of Registered Nurses. The three universities recruited 385 nursing students into their four-year general nursing degree programmes in 2003. In addition, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the School of General Nursing of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital enrolled 280 nursing students into their three-year higher diploma nursing programmes. During the year, 37 nurses with professional nursing qualifications obtained outside Hong Kong passed the Licensing Examinations for Registered Nurses or Enrolled Nurses conducted by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong.

Government Laboratory

The Government Laboratory offers a comprehensive range of analytical and advisory services to support the Government in upholding its various commitments in the protection of public health.

In 2003, a total of 92 052 tests on a wide range of food samples were carried out for surveillance and for compliance with the statutory standards. The scope of analytical services for the testing of veterinary drug residues in food animal products and live food animals for surveillance and statutory purposes has been further extended to facilitate the second phase enforcement of the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Chemical Residues) Regulation and Harmful Substances in Food Regulations. The Laboratory has also continued to participate actively in technological exchanges with Mainland counterparts with a view to strengthening technical capabilities in ensuring food safety and protecting public health.

The Laboratory has continued to provide a comprehensive analytical service to assure the quality of Western and Chinese medicines that constitute an indispensable part of the health care system. During the year, 40 129 tests were carried out on Western pharmaceutical products for compliance with the international or other acceptable standards in quality and safety; and 58 268 tests were made on proprietary Chinese medicines and herbal medicines for their heavy metal and pesticide residue content, and adulteration with Western drugs or controlled substances. In addition, the Laboratory undertook method development and research work pertaining to the examination of toxic Chinese herbal medicines and actively participated in the development of regulatory standards for commonly used Chinese herbal medicines. The Laboratory sustained the year-round surveillance of tar and nicotine yield in cigarettes, with results published for public information and affirmation of the data declared by tobacco traders.