Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan today inspected Sham Shui Po District Health Centre to understand more about its operation and the primary healthcare services provided there.

The district health centre, the second one established by the Government, started to provide services by phases from June 30.

Operated by St James' Settlement, the centre provides government-subsidised primary healthcare services including health promotion, health assessment, chronic disease management and community rehabilitation.

Prof Chan was briefed by the centre's representatives on its operation, services and major facilities including those in the assessment and interview area, the activity area, the health resource corner and the rehabilitation and wellness area. She also watched a demonstration on the operation of the Pavigym area.

The health chief also exchanged views with staff and gave them encouragement as well as chatted with members of the public using the services to find out their opinions.

Prof Chan pointed out that the scheme on district health centres is a key component of the entire public healthcare system in a bid to change the treatment-led focus of healthcare services.

It aims to encourage the public to take precautionary measures against diseases, strengthen their capability in self-care and home care, enhance public health, and reduce unnecessary usage of hospital or accident and emergency services with a view to relieving the burden of public hospitals.

After the establishment of the district health centres in Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po, the Food & Health Bureau expects that the centres in five more districts and interim District Health Centre Express in the remaining 11 districts to be established within the term of the current Government.