Month: March 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (April 1) strongly condemns the United States (US) for including six Central Authorities and HKSAR officials in a so-called “sanctions” list in an attempt to intimidate the relevant officials safeguarding national security. It, once again, clearly exposed the US’ barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions. The HKSAR despises such so-called “sanctions” and is not intimidated by such despicable behaviour. The HKSAR officials will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government will make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all personnel. 

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out, “The specified absconders mentioned in the US statement are wanted and have arrest warrants issued by the court against them not because they ‘exercised their freedom of speech’, but because they have been at large in the US, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, etc. and continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security, including inciting secession and requesting foreign countries to impose ‘sanctions’ or blockade and engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and the HKSAR. The US, however, gives cover for them who have committed these evil deeds. It is therefore necessary for the HKSAR to take all lawful measures in accordance with the law, including measures specified under section 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, to strongly combat such acts. The specified measures aim at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts of abscondment by suspects, and procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings. All specified measures align with human rights requirements; and quite a number of countries including the US, the UK and Canada would also impose such measures on wanted criminals. The US deliberately smeared and spread irresponsible remarks on the measures and actions taken by the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law in an attempt to mislead the public. The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of such acts.”

The spokesman also pointed out, “The fact is that the US has been ignoring the non-interference principle under international law, interfering with other countries’ internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating ‘colour revolutions’, creating social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to people in many countries. With the Central Authorities having enacted the Hong Kong National Security Law and the HKSAR having completed the legislative exercise to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong has strengthened the legal regime in safeguarding national security and prevented the US from succeeding. The false accusation thereafter against the HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law and, on top of that, the imposition of the so-called ‘sanctions’ in the guise of defending human rights and democracy indeed constitute a demonstration of shameless hypocrisy with double standards on the part of the US.

“The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, those who are suspected to have committed offences endangering national security and absconded overseas. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

In connection with a murder and wounding case happened in Yuen Long on January 22, Police further arrested a 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man and a 36-year-old man for murder and wounding with intent, and a 35-year-old man for assisting offenders in Yau Ma Tei yesterday (March 30).

In the murder and wounding case, a 24-year-old man died and a 28-year-old man was injured.

The 27-year-old man, the 24-year-old man and the 36-year-old man have been laid holding charges of one count of murder and one count of wounding with intent respectively; while the 35-year-old man has been laid a holding charge of one count of assisting offenders. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow morning (April 1).

Police had arrested another 14 men and two women, aged between 18 and 42, in suspected connection with the case earlier, for offences such as murder, wounding, assisting offenders and trafficking in dangerous drug.

For the ten men who had been charged earlier, the case was mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts and Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on January 25 and 27, February 18 and March 29 respectively. The other four men and two women were released on bail and are required to report back to Police in late April.

Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3356.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (March 31) its financial results for the 11 months ended February 28, 2025.

     Expenditure and revenue from April 2024 to February 2025 amounted to HK$670.3 billion and HK$475.7 billion respectively, resulting in a deficit of HK$92.3 billion after taking into account HK$124.3 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$22 billion principal on Government Bonds.

     The fiscal reserves stood at HK$642.3 billion as at February 28, 2025.

     Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)
 

	Month ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million	11 months ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million
Revenue	34,681.8	475,731.0
Expenditure	(73,142.6)	(670,328.6)
Deficit before issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(38,460.8)	(194,597.6)
Proceeds received from issuance of Government Bonds	6,125.4	124,269.5
Repayment of Government Bonds*	(46.4)	(21,953.7)
Deficit after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(32,381.8)	(92,281.8)
Financing
Domestic
Banking Sector (Note 2)	32,004.1	89,515.2
Non-Banking Sector	377.7	2,766.6
External	–	–
Total	32,381.8	92,281.8
* Being repayment of principal on Government Bonds and does not include the associated interest and other expenses.

Government Debts as at February 28, 2025 (Note 3)
    HK$291,839 million
Debts Guaranteed by Government as at February 28, 2025 (Note 4)
    HK$128,207 million

TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
 

	Month ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million	11 months ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million
Fiscal Reserves at start of period	674,685.4	734,585.4
Consolidated Deficit after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(32,381.8)	(92,281.8)
Fiscal Reserves at end of period (Note 5)	642,303.6	642,303.6

Notes:

1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at February 28, 2025, was HK$226,359 million.

2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks.

3. The Government Debts, with proceeds credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund, comprise:

(i) the Green Bonds (equivalent to HK$192,627 million as at February 28, 2025) issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme. They were denominated in US dollars (US$9,950 million with maturity from January 2026 to January 2053), euros (4,580 million euros with maturity from February 2026 to November 2041), Renminbi (RMB34,000 million with maturity from June 2025 to July 2054) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$42,000 million with maturity from May 2025 to October 2026);

(ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$44,381 million as at February 28, 2025) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB10,000 million with maturity from December 2025 to November 2034) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$33,730 million with maturity from November 2025 to December 2039); and

(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$54,831 million (with maturity in October 2027 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.

     They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$176,454 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,777 million as at February 28, 2025) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$96,454 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$75,148 million will mature within the period from March 2025 to February 2026 and the rest within the period from March 2026 to May 2042.

4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023.

5. Includes HK$249,768 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (March 31).

     The value of total retail sales in February 2025, provisionally estimated at $29.4 billion, decreased by 13.0% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in January 2025 decreased by 3.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 7.8% compared with the same period in 2024.

     Of the total retail sales value in February 2025, online sales accounted for 7.8%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, decreased by 7.3% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in January 2025 increased by 2.8% compared with a year earlier.  For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 2.4% compared with the same period in 2024.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in February 2025 decreased by 15.0% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in January 2025 decreased by 5.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 9.9% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

     In interpreting these figures, it should be noted that retail sales tend to show greater volatility in the first two months of a year due to the timing of the Chinese New Year. Consumer spending in the local market normally attains a seasonal high before the Festival. As the Chinese New Year fell on January 29 this year but on February 10 last year, it is more appropriate to analyse the retail sales figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing the combined total sales for January and February 2025 with the same period a year earlier, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified decreased by 2.0%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-15.8% in value); commodities in supermarkets (-4.4%); wearing apparel (-5.4%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-5.3%); commodities in department stores (-9.9%); fuels (-8.5%); motor vehicles and parts (-49.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-12.3%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-10.9%); furniture and fixtures (-25.6%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-9.1%); and optical shops (-7.6%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco increased by 0.7% in the first two months of 2025 over the same period a year earlier.  This was followed by sales of medicines and cosmetics (+0.6% in value).

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 2.0% in the three months ending February 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 4.0%.

Commentary

     A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales increased further in February 2025 over the preceding month on a seasonally adjusted comparison. The year-on-year decline in the value of total retail sales in February 2025 widened, partly due to the earlier arrival of Chinese New Year in late January this year as compared to mid-February last year.  Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove this effect, the value of total retail sales saw a narrower decline on a year-on-year basis than December 2024. 

     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the various measures by the Central Government to boost the Mainland economy and benefit Hong Kong, the SAR Government’s proactive efforts to promote tourism and mega events, and the sustained increases in employment earnings in local labour market, would benefit the retail sector, though it would continue to face challenge from the change in consumption patterns of visitors and residents.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents.  Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; E-mail : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (March 31) attended the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi in Zhengzhou in Henan Province on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.　

The Yellow Emperor is the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation, while Zhengzhou is the Yellow Emperor’s birthplace. The Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor, jointly organised by the People’s Government of Henan Province, the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, among others, is a significant event held annually in Henan Province to promote traditional Chinese culture.

Miss Mak expressed deepest gratitude for being invited to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor. Miss Mak added that Zhengzhou is one of the eight great ancient capitals of China and one of the important origins of the Chinese civilisation with profound historical and cultural heritage. By attending the meaningful event, Hong Kong compatriots can enhance their sense of national identity.

During her visit to Zhengzhou, Miss Mak met with the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji; the Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People’s Congress, Mr Liu Ning; and the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, Governor of Henan Province and Secretary of Party Leadership Group, Mr Wang Kai.
 
     Moreover, Miss Mak met with Hong Kong students studying in Zhengzhou to learn about their lives on the Mainland. She encouraged young people to grasp the opportunities to study and exchange on the Mainland to gain a deeper understanding of the development of the country and contribute to the country and Hong Kong.
 
Miss Mak will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) invited more than 300 teachers and students from 10 secondary schools to attend a “Creation and Rehabilitation” drama and music performance by persons in custody (PICs) under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project at Stanley Prison today (March 31). The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, officiated at the opening ceremony of the performance.
 
     During the performance, PICs staged for the students a drama featuring the story of a teenager who was lured by his peers to take the “space oil drug”. The teenager eventually became addicted to it and engaged in drug trafficking in school. His friend was also lured by him to take drugs, and later had a traffic accident under the influence of drugs, which made the teenager regretful. The CSD hopes that through the drama, students can understand the harm caused by drugs and the heavy price of drug trafficking so that they can become law-abiding and drug-free citizens.
 
Speaking at the event, Mr Tang said that the Government published in the Gazette on February 14 the listing of etomidate, the main component of the “space oil drug”, as a dangerous drug. Possession, vaping or drug trafficking can make one liable for very serious criminal punishment. The Government will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards dangerous drugs and use multipronged strategies to combat drugs. The Government has also co-organised various activities with schools to prevent the spread of the “space oil drug” among young people. He hoped that, through the drama and interactive sessions, students can understand the dangers of emerging drugs and stay away from drugs at all times.
 
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). ACAN was invited to set up booths inside the venue to disseminate to students anti-drug messages, information on criminal liabilities for drug offences, how to seek help, and so on.
 
During the sharing session, a PIC who was addicted to drugs and imprisoned for trafficking in dangerous drugs shared his experience with the students, hoping that they can learn from it and recognise the harmful effects of drugs and reminding them to be law abiding and stay away from drugs.
 
Jointly organised by the CSD and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Lay Prison Evangelical Organisation, the “Creation and Rehabilitation” Programme has been implemented at Stanley Prison since 2011. The Programme integrates arts therapy into rehabilitation services and assists PICs in self-exploration and self-understanding through a series of creative workshops. In addition, the Programme provides opportunities for young people to visit correctional institutions and meet PICs in person so as to understand the heavy price of committing crimes and the importance of abiding by the law. At the same time, through the creation and performance by PICs, students can deepen their understanding of diversified rehabilitation programmes of the CSD, thereby recognising the importance of rehabilitation and the significance of social harmony.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong today (March 31) held the Commemoration Ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong and the Launching Ceremony of Dancing Water Drops Exhibition at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to celebrate this remarkable and important occasion.
 
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Wang Weizhong; the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Li Guoying; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Member of the Office Leadership of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr Xiang Bin; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Deputy Director of the LOCPG in the HKSAR Mr Qi Bin; Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province Mr Zhang Shaokang; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; and the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Qin Weizhong, officiated at the ceremony.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that the country has been providing Hong Kong with reliable and stable supply of Dongjiang water over the past 60 years. Currently accounting for about 70 to 80 per cent of the fresh water consumption in Hong Kong, Dongjiang water supports the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong, and nourishes the citizens, allowing them to live and work in a better place. Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong is not only a water engineering project, but also an epitome of the strong blood ties between the country and Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong citizens will cherish the country’s care and express their gratitude by making greater contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
 
Mr Wang said that, over the past 60 years, Guangdong has been resolutely implementing the strategic decisions of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and has made it a priority to ensure the safety of water supply to Hong Kong, guaranteeing stable supply of high-quality Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. Standing at a new starting point, Guangdong will always stay true to the aspirations of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and will fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principle of “one country, two systems”, and effectively manage the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Scheme. This will ensure that Hong Kong citizens continue to have access to safe and high-quality water, providing strong support for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Li said that, over the past 60 years, the Ministry of Water Resources has resolutely implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping’s water regulating approach of “Prioritising water conservation, Balancing spatial distribution, Taking systematic approaches, Promoting government-market synergy”. Under the sincere care of the Central Authorities, the quantity and quality of water supply to Hong Kong and emergency support capabilities have been continuously enhanced. The Ministry of Water Resources will strengthen co-operation on water resources with the HKSAR Government on all fronts, and will continue to enhance the water safety security system in the Greater Bay Area while ensuring stable, safe and quality water supply to Hong Kong.
  
     A lighting ceremony for the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition was also held at the event. The large-scale art installations exhibition was specially created by internationally acclaimed artist Simon Ma in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. The display of water drop-shaped installations of various sizes symbolises the vitality that Dongjiang water brings to Hong Kong and social inclusion. The setting and number of water drop-shaped installations will vary at different stages of the exhibition period from April to June. Installations for the first stage include an 18.8-metre-tall water drop-shaped installation and over 100 small never-fall water drop-shaped installations, which will be on display from tomorrow (April 1). The highlight of the exhibition is a 28.8-metre-tall giant water drop-shaped art installation. It is by far the largest of its kind among similar exhibitions and will be on display for the first time in May. The exhibition will be held from tomorrow to June 13 at Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section).
 
     In addition to the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition, a series of activities in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong have been held under the theme “Dongjiang River – An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin” since September last year. These activities included a roving exhibition, thematic talks and Mainland study tours. Upcoming celebration activities will be the International Water Pioneers Summit, which will be held tomorrow, and a study tour on national water engineering projects, culture and technology, which will be held within this year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Health Bureau announced today (March 31) the extension of the Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Pilot Scheme) for one year till March 31 next year, with a view to enabling eligible patients of the Hospital Authority (HA) to choose to receive subsidised consultation services at the designated collaborating healthcare institution in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Scheme aims to provide Hong Kong people with more choices when receiving HA’s services, and is currently applicable to the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH). The Government and the HA will evaluate the effectiveness and scope of services of the Pilot Scheme each year and make necessary adjustments in a timely manner.

     From May 10, 2023 until the end February this year, a total of 5 100 eligible patients have participated in the Pilot Scheme, with over 60 per cent being elderly aged 65 or above. According to a patient survey conducted by the HKU-SZH in the end of last year, about 90 per cent of the respondents found its services satisfactory.

     To provide more targeted healthcare support to patients, the Pilot Scheme will be enhanced. With effect from tomorrow (April 1), for eligible patients participating in the Pilot Scheme to utilise the subsidy under the Pilot Scheme, they are required to attend consultations at the service departments of the HKU-SZH that correspond with the HA’s out-patient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments.

     Moreover, building on the Pilot Scheme and targeting at specific HA services, the Government is exploring the introduction of more healthcare choices of receiving services in the GBA for patients with follow-up appointments in the HA. Relevant measures will be rolled out once ready.

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The Government has long been taking forward collaborations on medical and health aspects in the GBA in accordance with the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits. The HA will continue to explore more in-depth healthcare collaborations with suitable organisations and enhance the efficiency of public healthcare services with a view to shortening patients’ waiting time.”

     Apart from the above enhancement measure, other arrangements of the Pilot Scheme upon extension will remain largely the same as those at present. Eligible patients will be required to pay on their own a consultation fee of RMB100 for each consultation received at the designated out-patient clinic of the HKU-SZH (except for specified persons whose medical fees would be waived upon verification by the HA). Such consultation fee payable by eligible patients will be adjusted on January 1 next year in accordance with the specialist out-patient consultation fee as set under the fees and charges reform for public healthcare. The Government will announce the details in due course. The remaining consultation fee will be subsidised by the Pilot Scheme, subject to a cap of RMB2,000. The validity period of the relevant subsidy is from tomorrow to March 31 next year.

     Meanwhile, the scope of subsidised consultation services under the Pilot Scheme will continue to cover out-patient services provided by the HA, namely anaesthesiology (pain clinic only); cardiothoracic surgery; clinical oncology; ear, nose and throat; eye; gynaecology; internal medicine; neurosurgery; obstetrics; orthopaedics and traumatology (orthopaedics); paediatrics; surgery; and general out-patient services. Episodic illnesses, inpatient or day inpatient, as well as Accident and Emergency services are not included under the scope of subsidised consultation services. Eligible patients are required to attend at the service departments of the HKU-SZH that correspond with the HA’s out-patient service categories for which they have medical follow-up to receive subsidised consultation services.

     The subsidy for existing patients under the Pilot Scheme will expire today. Eligible patients who wish to continue participating in the Pilot Scheme may make appointments through the existing channels whereby the HKU-SZH will make appointments at the departments that correspond with the HA’s out-patient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments. They should also complete the declaration to confirm continued participation at the HKU-SZH before receiving any subsidised consultation services. For patients who wish to cease participation in the Pilot Scheme and return to Hong Kong for follow-up consultations at the out-patient clinics of the HA, they may approach the HKU-SZH and the hospital will make referral for them to arrange follow-up appointments at the corresponding out-patient clinics of the HA according to their clinical needs.

     As for eligible patients who have not participated in the Pilot Scheme before or those who have joined the Scheme but need to have their personal information updated, they may submit their application to the HKU-SZH from tomorrow onwards.

     Details will be uploaded to the websites of the HA and the HKU-SZH later for public reference. For enquiries, citizens may also call the HA (Tel. No.: 2300 7070; Service Hours: 9am – 6pm, Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays) or the HKU-SZH (Tel. No.: (+86) 0755-86913101; Service Hours: 8am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (March 31) held the Kick-off Ceremony themed “Act Together for a Caring Community” to announce the extension of the District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers to all 18 districts for a period of 12 months starting from tomorrow (April 1) to provide support and care to elderly persons and carers in need.

​     Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that all 452 Care Teams across the territory will help identify elderly persons and carers in need through visits and contacts in the coming 12 months. Apart from sending them care and providing assistance to ensure elderly persons and carers feel the warmth and support from the community, the Care Teams will also refer those in need to social welfare service units for suitable support.

​     He said that with the extension of the Scheme to 18 districts the Care Teams are expected to reach over 60 000 households in need. He hoped that members of the Care Teams would go beyond serving as care ambassadors in the community by strengthening collaboration with other stakeholders. In addition to encouraging carers to use the Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183 and the Information Gateway for Carers (carers.hk), Care Teams will also enhance communications with the Designated Hotline for Carer Support to arrange visits or contacts for the carers in need.

​     At the ceremony, Mr Cheuk presented certificates of appointment to the Care Teams of 18 districts. Accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; and the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To, he also presided at a pledging ceremony to start the extension of the Scheme.

​     Immediately after the ceremony, the Care Teams of Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po Districts conducted home visits in the two Districts with the respective District Officers and District Social Welfare Officers to introduce welfare services to households and encourage them to seek help whenever necessary.

​     The SWD will arrange trainings for the Care Teams, covering communication skills, information on local social welfare services and referral procedures. The SWD will also maintain close communication with the Care Teams in various subdistricts and provide assistance to ensure a smooth implementation of the Scheme.

​     Piloted in Tsuen Wan and Southern Districts in the first quarter of 2024 to identify singleton/doubleton elderly persons and carers of elders persons/persons with disabilities in need through visits or contacts by the Care Teams, the Scheme has made great achievements. By the end of February this year, 36 Care Teams in the two Districts had visited or contacted over 7 200 singleton/doubleton elderly persons and carers of elderly persons/persons with disabilities, making over 1 200 referrals for welfare services, including elderly services, services for persons with disabilities, mental health services, family services and financial assistance. Moreover, more than 300 elderly persons and persons with disabilities received subsidies for the installation of emergency alarm systems through referrals made by the Care Teams.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, will depart for Beijing tomorrow night (April 1). She will call on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Administration of Sport of China, and the China Film Administration. She will also meet with relevant officials of other cultural and museum institutions.
 
     Miss Law will return to Hong Kong at midday on April 4 (Friday). During her absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.