Patients urged to be honest

February 1, 2020

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan:
I would like to make an appeal to people: when they are not feeling well and when they consult a doctor, they should provide an honest history. For example, travel history and also their symptoms and the issues or health problems that they face, so that it will aid the diagnosis of the patient. But not only for the patient, I think this is also for the protection of our healthcare professionals as well. Under Cap. 599 of the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance, in order to prevent the infectious disease and also to prevent the spread of the infectious disease, there is a legal framework provided where people must give honest information to our health officers. Of course, if they do not do so, then they will be penalised a $5,000 penalty and a six-month imprisonment. As far as whether Hospital Authority officers would be given the same authority, we are now urgently looking into the legislation and working towards this situation.

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today appealed to people who are not feeling well to be honest about their travel and medical history when consulting a doctor.

Speaking to reporters after attending a radio programme, Prof Chan said honesty will aid patients’ diagnoses.

“Not only for the patient, I think this is also for the protection of our healthcare professionals as well.

“Under Cap. 599 of the Prevention & Control of Disease Ordinance, in order to prevent the infectious disease and also to prevent the spread of the infectious disease, there is a legal framework provided where people must give honest information to our health officers.”

She said if people do not give honest information, they will face a penalty of $5,000 and six-month imprisonment.

“As far as whether Hospital Authority officers would be given the same authority, we are now urgently looking into the legislation and working towards this situation,” she added.