May 18, 2013

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man continued his London visit yesterday by meeting UK Care Quality Commission Chief Executive David Behan.
 
Dr Ko said the Hong Kong Government has set up the Steering Committee on the Review of the Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities, which covers private hospitals, nursing homes and non-profit-making clinics.
 
The review will enhance the quality and transparency of private healthcare services and better protect patients' rights and safety.
 
The commission administers a registration scheme under which providers of services, like hospital, residential care, personal care, and nursing services, are required to meet quality and safety standards to qualify for registration.
 
Dr Ko also met with National Health Service Medical Director and the Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions Committee Chairman Prof Bruce Keogh.
 
The committee will review guidelines for ensuring the physical and psychological health of people having cosmetic surgery.
 
Dr Ko said Hong Kong’s working group on Differentiation Between Medical Procedures & Beauty Services was also set up to differentiate between medical treatments and ordinary beauty services available on the market, and to make recommendations to the Government on procedures that should be performed by registered medical practitioners.
 
Dr Ko also held talks with the UK Department of Health on the regulatory challenges brought about by the advancement of medical technology.
 
He will go to Munich today to visit a Chinese medicine clinic in Kotzting.