Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau chaired the 21st meeting of the Steering Committee on Primary Healthcare Development today.

During the meeting, the latest developments of primary healthcare were reviewed and upcoming strategies were discussed, with a view to consolidating and enhancing the primary healthcare system that serves as the cornerstone of the healthcare system.

Prof Lo said Hong Kong's health indicators, such as life expectancy, all ranked top in the world at present, but the Government must not underestimate the challenges ahead, including an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases.

He pointed out that the Government is committed to establishing a primary healthcare system that can boost the overall health conditions and quality of life for all citizens.

Under the leadership of the steering committee, the Government has completed the formulation of a primary healthcare blueprint and proposed a series of reform measures to further strengthen Hong Kong's primary healthcare services and relieve pressure on the public healthcare system.

Specific policy directions and key areas include establishing a district-based, family-oriented primary healthcare system in the community; strengthening management of primary healthcare services; consolidating primary healthcare resources; reinforcing manpower planning and training of primary healthcare personnel; and enhancing surveillance of diseases and sharing of health records.

To date, District Health Centres (DHCs) or DHC Expresses have their services covering 15 districts in the city, and the services will be extended to the remaining three districts, namely Yuen Long, Southern District and Tsuen Wan, within the next few months.

Prof Lo called on people to make good use of various services provided by DHCs and DHC Expresses by taking a preventive approach to safeguard their own health.