ENG-2010 — Page 215

Health 169

the eHR sharing system among healthcare providers and the public and to extend further its functionalities in supporting healthcare purposes.

The eHR Office under the FHB co-ordinates and takes forward the development of the system and addresses issues such as policy, legal issues, privacy and security. In October 2009 and November 2010, the eHR Office launched an eHR Engagement Initiative (EEI) and invited the private healthcare and information technology sectors respectively to submit proposals for promoting eHR sharing. Through the EEI, the Government will help the non-governmental healthcare and information technology sectors develop solutions needed to connect their systems to the sharing platform so as to promote eHR sharing.

The eHR Office will consult the relevant professions, stakeholders and the public in 2011 on issues related to the legal issues, privacy and security framework for eHR sharing in preparation for drafting of the necessary legislation. The eHR Office will also conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment for the eHR sharing system to safeguard personal data privacy and ensure integrity of the system.

Development of Private Health Care

One of the healthcare reform initiatives is to encourage the private healthcare sector to play a more active role in the provision of hospital services in order to address the imbalance between public and private hospital services and to increase the overall capacity of the healthcare system to cope with growing demand. Promoting private hospital development is also a major government policy announced by the Chief Executive in his 2009-10 Policy Address.

Hong Kong is renowned for its high standard of professional health care as well as its up-to-date medical technology and equipment. Coupled with its excellent communication facilities and marketing skills, it has the advantages and potential for further developing its medical services, particularly in the provision of highly professional services requiring technology and multi-disciplinary skills.

The Government aims to develop medical services as one of the six industries crucial to the growth of Hong Kong's economy. The development of private healthcare services can also enhance and consolidate Hong Kong's position as a prime medical centre in the region.

Four sites (respectively located at Wong Chuk Hang, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po and Lantau) have been reserved for private hospital development. The Government, from the end of 2009 to March 2010, invited the market to express its interest in developing private hospitals at the reserved sites and 30 development proposals have been received from local and overseas institutions. Feedback is being considered with a view to formulating suitable arrangements to dispose of the sites in phases from late 2011 or 2012. The Government and the HA will at the same time continue to enhance the training and development of local medical professionals, and encourage exchange of local and overseas medical professionals, with a view to further raising the service standards of our healthcare sector.