ENG-2008 — Page 222

170 Health

Port Health

To prevent and control cross-boundary spread of infectious diseases and other serious diseases into Hong Kong, the Port Health Office, under the Department of Health, enforces quarantine measures according to

to the International Health Regulations and the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. Travellers arriving in Hong Kong at various immigration control points are required to undergo temperature screening as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of them bringing avian influenza into Hong Kong. The Port Health Office also provides preventive services including medical consultation, vaccination, prophylactic medication and advice on travel-related risks to Hong Kong residents before they travel. The office has a close working relationship with the travel industry. Travel health information is available via the website, www.travelhealth.gov.hk.

Radiation Health

The Radiation Board was set up under the Radiation Ordinance to control the import, export, possession and use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. As the executive arm of the Radiation Board, the Radiation Health Unit of the Department of Health safeguards public health against ionising radiation through licensing control and inspection of premises where radioactive substances or irradiating apparatuses are present or in use.

It also provides health checks and radiation monitoring for radiological practitioners, maintains the radiation dosimetry metrology standards for environmental level and occupational protection level radiation dosimetry measurements of Hong Kong, and provides the related standard calibration services. On the other hand, the Radiation Health Unit advises the Government on the health effects of radiation fields and protection of public health in areas such as nuclear incidents and management of radioactive materials and wastes.

In 2008, the unit assessed and issued 10 746 licences and permits according to the Radiation Ordinance, and 3 262 licences and permits according to the Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations, and provided monitoring service to 9615 occupationally exposed persons.

persons. The average

The average radiation exposure of the occupationally exposed persons was 0.09 mSv against an annual statutory limit of 20 mSv.

Training of Medical and Health Personnel

Doctors

The University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong provide basic training of doctors. During the year, eight medical graduates with professional qualifications obtained outside Hong Kong passed the licensing examination conducted by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. 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.