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Following is a speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Launching Ceremony for the Elderly Health Services of the Department of Health this (Friday) afternoon:
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
In the Policy Address delivered last year, I put forward the policy objective of "caring for the elderly" and made it clear that the fostering of a sense of security, a sense of belonging and a feeling of health and worthiness should be the principal policy to guide the elderly services provided by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. To achieve our goal of providing a feeling of health and worthiness, we must ensure that the elderly are physically and mentally healthy.
With rapid socio-economic development, growing sophistication in medical technology and continuous improvement in environmental hygiene, the life expectancy in Hong Kong is increasing. At present, people aged 65 and above exceed 600,000 and account for about 10% of our total population. It is forecasted that the population of the elderly in the territory will reach 840,000 in ten years' time. With an ageing population, the importance of looking after the health of the elderly is self-evident. The new Elderly Health Services are hence launched by the Department of Health with the aim of fulfilling our policy objective of caring for the elderly.
As I know, among the elderly outpatients who are now using the general medical services provided by the Department of Health, about one-third are suffering from chronic diseases. They need long-term treatments and regular follow-up care in order to have their conditions brought under control and to prevent complications. To them, primary medical care of good quality is extremely important. I know that under the Elderly Health Service Scheme, 7 elderly health centres were set up and 7 elderly health visiting teams started reaching out for the elderly on 2 July this year. In the coming 19 months, the HKSAR Government will set up 11 additional elderly health centres and 11 additional elderly health visiting teams so that each of the 18 districts within the territory shall have its own centre and visiting team.
In addition to services in disease prevention and health promotion, the elderly health centres also provide medical treatment for the elderly. Professionals like doctors, nurses, dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and clinical psychologists are working together at each centre to look after the various needs of the elderly. The newly established elderly health visiting teams help to promote the concept and awareness of health care among the elderly living in the community and at homes for the aged, and offer more assistance to the family of the elderly.
I am glad to know that the membership of the 7 elderly health centres, which started operation in July, has now reached 70% of the expected size. It proves that the elderly health services are generally welcomed by the elderly. It is encouraging to note that within a short period of time, the Department of Health is able to provide such well-received services, which cater for the needs of the elderly. It also bears testimony to the fact that the HKSAR Government's policy objective of caring for the elderly is rightly set. We shall work even harder to further honour our pledges. In the future, staff of the Department of Health will continue their efforts in the promotion of the elderly health services. We shall also make the optimal use of resources coming from various sectors and cooperate fully with various agencies to aim for better performance in various areas, such as housing, institutional services and community support.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to encourage each and every one of us to fulfil the common goal of providing the elderly with a sense of security, a sense of belonging and a feeling of health and worthiness. I have confidence that with the concerted effort and full cooperation of all parties concerned, the elderly of Hong Kong will lead a healthier, richer and more meaningful life. Thank you.
End/Friday, September 4, 1998
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