ENG-2010 — Page 226

180 Health

issued a total of 56 licences, including 14 treatment licences, 40 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 the use of 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 DH'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 provides Hong Kong residents with 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 at 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 DH 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 2010, the unit assessed and issued 10 016 and 512 licences/permits according to the Radiation Ordinance and the Import (Radiation) (Prohibition) Regulations respectively. It provided monitoring services to 9 825 occupationally exposed persons. The average radiation exposure of occupationally exposed persons was 0.11 mSv against an annual statutory limit of 20 mSv.