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SFH on review of regulatory regime for private healthcare facilities
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, on the review of the regulatory regime for private healthcare facilities today (October 11):

Secretary for Food and Health: We are very concerned about the death of a woman, who together with three others suffered from septic shock after receiving intravascular infusions at a beauty centre last week. The Department of Health and the Police are now conducting thorough investigations into the incident. The case will be submitted to the Coroner's Court for further examination.

     There is also a general call in the community for tightening regulation of the beauty industry and providing clear definition to differentiate beauty therapies from medical treatments. The issue will certainly be discussed at the relevant panels of the Legislative Council very soon. All the stakeholders, including the medical profession, the beauty industry and the public, will have their roles to play in the discussion.

     Today we have set up a steering committee to conduct a review on the regulatory regime for private healthcare facilities in Hong Kong. The aim of the review is to strengthen regulatory control of private healthcare facilities, including high risk medical treatments, in order to safeguard public safety.

     The review will cover two ordinances, namely the Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Maternity Homes Registration Ordinance (Cap. 165) and the Medical Clinics Ordinance (Cap. 343), in which private hospitals, nursing homes and non-profit-making clinics are covered.

     The Government will review the scope of regulation of private healthcare facilities, including whether to cover private healthcare facilities other than private hospitals, nursing homes and non-profit-making clinics, and also study whether to place any premises which conduct high-risk medical treatments or procedures under regulatory control in order to safeguard people's health.

     I will chair the Steering Committee, which comprises 16 non-official members and four ex-officio members. Non-official members of the Steering Committee comprise personalities from a wide range of backgrounds and interests, including the trade, academia, regulatory bodies, patient groups and civil societies.

     The review is expected to complete within a year. Depending on the views from the trade and public, the Government will consider commencing the relevant legislative process. The Government will brief the Legislative Council Panel on Health Services on the review next month and seek views from Legislative Council Members. Thank you.

Reporter: (On regulation of medical laboratory)

Secretary for Food and Health: In our review, premises rendering treatments or premises that provide supportive procedures, including laboratory procedures with an intention for medical treatment, will also be covered.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, October 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:12

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