ENG-2014 — Page 193

8

Health

Under the Chinese Medicine Ordinance, an application can be made to the CMCHK's Chinese Medicine Board for a certificate for the purpose of conducting a clinical trial or medicinal test of any proprietary Chinese medicine.

In September 2014, the HA launched a two-year Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine (ICWM) Pilot Project, which provides patients of selected disease areas (including stroke rehabilitation, low back pain and palliative care for cancer) with ICWM in-patient treatment and follow-up Chinese medicine out-patient service. The project aims to make use of ICWM's advantages to provide appropriate medical treatment for patients; gather experience for the development of Chinese medicine in-patient services and the establishment of the Chinese medicine hospital; facilitate the training of Chinese medicine graduates; and explore the development of Chinese medicine specialisation.

Human Reproductive Technology

Activities using human reproductive technology are regulated to ensure the procedures are conducted in a safe and informed manner, and to safeguard the welfare of children born through the technology. The Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance confines the application of human 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. Reproductive technology service providers and embryo. researchers who wish to conduct relevant activities under the ordinance must apply for a licence issued by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology set up under the legislation. As at the end of 2014, the council had issued 48 licences, including 15 treatment licences, 31 artificial insemination-by-husband licences and two research licences.

In accordance with international practice and in consultation with the medical profession, social workers, the legal profession, academia and ethical groups, the council has promulgated 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 and out of 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 boundary control points are required to undergo temperature screening as a precautionary measure.

The Port Health Office also provides Hong Kong residents with disease 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 and provides travel health information on the DH's website.

Radiation Health

Set up under the Radiation Ordinance, the independent Radiation Board controls the import, export, possession and use of radioactive substances and irradiating apparatus. As the executive

149