174 | Health
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 the public against ionising radiation by means of licensing controls and inspection of premises where radioactive substances or irradiating apparatus are present or in use.
It also provides health checks and radiation monitoring for radiological practitioners, maintains the radiation dosimetry metrology standards for environmental and occupational protection level radiation dosimetry measurements, and provides the related standard calibration services. The Radiation Health Unit advises the Government on the health effects of radiation fields and protection of public health with regard to nuclear incidents and management of radioactive materials and wastes.
In 2009, the unit assessed and issued 10 874 licences and permits according to the Radiation Ordinance, and 3 947 licences and permits according to the Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations. It provided monitoring service to 9715 occupationally exposed persons. The average radiation exposure of occupationally exposed persons was 0.096 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, 15 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.
Apart from providing the public with healthcare services, the Hospital Authority also undertakes training of specialist doctors. Each year, the majority of medical graduates of the two local universities are offered appointment to the Hospital Authority to receive specialist training while working in the Hospital Authority. The Hospital Authority created a total of 386 such specialist training posts in 2009. To improve the remuneration package of doctors under training and to ensure they have sufficient time to complete their training, the Hospital Authority introduced a new career structure for doctors in 2007. Some 200 doctors completed training at the Hospital Authority and obtained specialist qualification in 2009.
Dentists
Training in dentistry is available at the University of Hong Kong, which enrolled 54 dental students in 2009. During the year, 10 candidates who completed their
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