Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow has signed a memorandum of understanding with visiting Minister of Health Gao Qiang, aiming to raise the healthcare standard in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The two sides agreed to foster co-operation in strengthening the flow of health and medical information, as well as the notification and contingency co-operation system on infectious-disease outbreaks and public-health emergencies.

The two parties would also promote the exchange and co-operation of community health services between the two sides.

Medical and health professional groups and relevant institutions from both sides are expected to share experiences through seminars and training programmes, building partnerships between hospitals and discussing the arrangements for patients' effective referral among medical institutions

Co-operation vital

Dr Chow believes close co-operation between the two health authorities is vital in meeting the many new challenges in public health.

"With the strong support of the Ministry, the Mainland and Hong Kong will continue to maintain their good partnership to strive for better public health protection," he said.

On the basis of the pact signed today, he added, they would enhance communication and co-operation.