ENG-2011 — Page 217

Health | 177

The Government is also working with the public and private healthcare sectors, IT service providers and stakeholders to implement a 10-year programme to develop a territory-wide, patient-oriented, voluntary eHR Sharing System. The whole programme is being developed in two stages. The objectives of the first stage development (2009-10 to 2013-14) are:

(i) to have the eHR sharing platform ready by 2013-14 for connection with

public and private hospitals;

(ii) to have electronic medical/patient record systems and other health information systems available in the market for private doctors, clinics and other healthcare service providers to connect to the eHR sharing platform; and

(iii) to formulate a legal framework for the eHR Sharing System to protect data

privacy and system security prior to commissioning of the system.

The second stage development (2014-15 to 2018-19) aims to expand the coverage of the eHR Sharing System among healthcare providers and the public, and to further extend its functionalities in supporting healthcare purposes.

The eHR Office under the FHB consulted relevant professions, stakeholders and the public in December 2011 on the proposed Legal, Privacy and Security Framework for eHR sharing in preparation for drafting of the necessary legislation. The eHR Office will conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment for the eHR sharing system to safeguard personal data privacy and ensure integrity of the system. The eHR Office has also engaged the private healthcare and information technology sectors to develop eHR solutions through the eHR Engagement Initiatives and other partnership projects.

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 increase the overall capacity of the healthcare system to cope with growing demand.

Meanwhile, 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 hopes 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 (located at Wong Chuk Hang, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po and Lantau) have been reserved for private hospital development. The Government is formulating