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statutory Human Organ Transplant Board is required for transplantation of human organs between living persons who are not genetically related or a couple whose marriage has subsisted for not more than three years. The board also collects certain information about transplant operations in prescribed statutory forms.
In 2009, the board received a total of 19 applications for organ transplants between living non-related persons. In total, four organs were imported into Hong Kong for transplant purposes during the same year.
Human Reproductive Technology
Human reproductive technology activities are regulated to ensure the procedures are conducted in a safe and informed manner, and to safeguard the welfare of the child born through the technology. The Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance2 and its regulations came into full effect on August 1, 2007. Reproductive technology service providers and embryo researchers who wish to conduct relevant activities as regulated by the Ordinance must obtain a licence issued by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology. Up to December 31, 2009, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology had issued a total of 53 licences, including 13 treatment licences, 38 artificial insemination by husband licences and two research licences.
The ordinance confines the application of reproductive technology procedures to infertile married couples, regulates surrogacy arrangements and the use of embryos and gametes for research and other purposes, and prohibits commercial dealings in embryos or gametes and using donated gametes in surrogacy arrangements. With reference to international practice and in consultation with the reproductive technology profession, social workers, legal practitioners, academia and ethical groups, the Council has established a code of practice setting out the requirements, standards and good practices for embryo researchers and reproductive technology practitioners.
Port Health
To prevent and control cross-boundary spread of infectious and other serious diseases into Hong Kong, the Department of Health's Port Health Office enforces quarantine measures according to the International Health Regulations and the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance. Travellers arriving in Hong Kong at immigration control points are required to undergo temperature screening as a precautionary measure.
The Port Health Office also offers Hong Kong residents preventive services including medical consultation, vaccination, prophylactic medication and advice on travel-related risks 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.
2
Except section 33(4)(a) of the Ordinance.
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