The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) today (September 18) invited proposals from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide services for the operation of "District Health Centre (DHC) Express" in 11 districts, namely Central and Western District, Eastern District, Islands District, Kowloon City District, Kwun Tong District, North District, Sai Kung District, Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, Wan Chai District and Yau Tsim Mong District.
 
     The successful applicants for "DHC Express" in the 11 districts, i.e. the future operators of "DHC Express", upon being awarded the service contracts, will have a gearing-up period of up to six months for the targeted commissioning of "DHC Express" services in 2021, and operation will be for a three-year period.
 
     In a bid to shift the emphasis of the present healthcare system and mindset from treatment-oriented to prevention-focused, the Government is enhancing district-based primary healthcare services in all 18 districts gradually. Among other things, the Government aims to introduce the interim "DHC Express" for each of the above 11 districts during the term of the current Government, in advance of the operation of full-fledged DHCs, with a view to building up a critical mass of district-based primary healthcare services throughout the territory as early as practicable.
 
     "DHC Express" will provide essential district-based primary healthcare services subsidised by the Government, including health promotion, health risk factors assessment and chronic disease management, similar to those of a DHC but in a more basic scale. It is expected that "DHC Express" will facilitate community medical-social support for the public through identification of healthcare and social resources, as well as early engagement of community service partners in the districts.
 
     Applicants must be bona-fide non-profit-making NGOs with tax-exemption status under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112). The basic services to be provided by "DHC Express" are set out in the Invitation for Proposals. A briefing session will be held for interested NGOs on October 6 (Tuesday). The Invitation for Proposals and details of the briefing session are available on the website (www.dhc.gov.hk/en/dhc_express_invitation_for_proposals.html).
 
     Applicant NGOs must submit their application forms with supporting documents to the Primary Healthcare Office, Food and Health Bureau, Unit 1505-06, 15/F, THE HUB, 23 Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, before 5pm on November 18 (Wednesday). Late applications will not be accepted.
 
     For enquiries, please contact the Primary Healthcare Office of the FHB at 2205 2549, or through email at dhcexpress@fhb.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, September 18, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:40

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