********************************************
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, visited Kwai Tsing District this afternoon (November 27) to exchange views with district councillors on local affairs under his purview.
Dr Ko began his visit by meeting with some 20 Kwai Tsing district councillors to listen to their concerns on public health services and market facilities in the district, including the opening of a new public market, an open bazaar, an increase in health care staff and extension of dental services.
Accompanied by District Officer (Kwai Tsing), Mr Alan Lo, Dr Ko then went to the QK Blog at Cheung Ching Estate Community Centre to learn more about counselling and treatment services for teenagers.
Established in 2009, the QK Blog aims to support the Healthy School Policy carried out by Kwai Tsing's secondary schools. Its services include assisting schools in identifying students with drug abuse problems; helping students to maintain a state of physical, mental and social well-being; and referring adolescents with physical or mental problems to appropriate counselling or medical services.
Dr Ko was glad to learn that the QK Blog has so far performed physical fitness assessments and lifestyle questionnaires on more than 9,000 secondary school students from 14 schools in the district. Of these, some 1,000 students underwent further assessment in the QK Blog by doctors, occupational therapists and social workers for early referral, counselling or treatment.
Dr Ko commended staff at the QK Blog for their professionalism and hard work in providing quality services to the students.
Before completing his visit, Dr Ko inspected Tsing Yi Market and chatted with stall operators and the public to hear their views on the further improvement of public market services. Dr Ko noted that barrier-free facilities were installed in the market to facilitate members of the public.
Ends/Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:53
NNNN
