Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 22) that, in collaboration with the dental sector, free denture replacement services will be launched starting tomorrow (December 23) to address the needs for replacement of lost dentures due to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and to provide dental treatments for affected residents.

     The HHB had received requests for assistance from affected residents regarding the replacement of lost dentures due to the fire. To assist more affected residents in need, the HHB co-ordinated with various dental care organisations, the Hong Kong Dental Association (HKDA), and dentists to launch denture replacement services tomorrow. Currently, more than 80 private dentists have participated, covering 106 service points. Starting from tomorrow until February 28, 2026, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers) can receive at least one free dental consultation and one follow-up appointment (subject to clinical need) through the arrangement of the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) under the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The scope of the free dental consultation services covers two major categories:

(1) Broken appliances and lost dental appliances due to the incident, including repair or replacement of partial or complete dentures (acrylic), and removable orthodontic retainers; and

(2) Oral treatment due to injuries inflicted in the incident, including medication for dental pain relief, simple fillings, emergency pulp treatment and extractions.

     Affected residents in need can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. Those who are registered as DHC members may also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will assist in pairing them with the participating dentists based on their individual situations and preferences.

     The HHB expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dental profession and the HKDA for their active response and for extending a helping hand, demonstrating their care for the community. Private dentists interested in providing denture replacement services to the affected residents may contact the HHB (email: wwshui@healthbureau.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will hold the oath-taking ceremony for members of the eighth-term Legislative Council at the Chamber of the LegCo Complex at 11am on January 1, 2026. The oath-taking will be administered by Chief Executive John Lee.

According to the Oaths & Declarations Ordinance, the LegCo oath must be administered by the Chief Executive or a person authorised by the Chief Executive.

The taking of the oath is legally binding, the Government stressed, noting that the oath-taker must sincerely believe in and strictly abide by the relevant oath prescribed by law.

An oath-taker who makes a false oath or who, after taking the oath, engages in conduct in breach of the oath, shall bear legal responsibility in accordance with the law.

The Government added that it will publish the list of Legislative Councillors whose oaths were determined as valid after the oath-taking ceremony.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of at landfills dropped for three consecutive years to 3.85 million tonnes in 2024, and the average daily quantity was 10,510 tonnes, a 3.4% decrease compared to the previous year, according to a report released by Environmental Protection Department today.

Among the MSW, disposal of waste plastics dropped 11.1%, and that of food waste dropped 6%. Disposal of waste glass decreased 7.1%.

The per capita MSW disposal rate per day in 2024 was 1.4kg, down from 1.44kg in the previous year. Among the three major categories of MSW in 2024, food waste accounted for 29%, followed by waste paper and waste plastics, accounting for 23% and 18% respectively.

With the implementation of various measures by the Government in promoting food waste recycling and plastic-free culture, including the regulation on disposable plastic products in 2024, both the shares of disposal of food waste and waste plastics decreased compared to 2023.

Since the Government enhanced the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme in 2022, the amount of plastic shopping bags disposed of in 2024 was 56,408 tonnes, down from 63,367 tonnes in the preceding year.

Meanwhile, the share of waste paper increased; it was mainly paper waste that could not be easily recycled.

The overall MSW recovery rate rose for four consecutive years, with the latest figures rising from 33% in 2023 to 34% in 2024 and the increase in the total recovery was about 50,000 tonnes. The increase was mainly driven by the recycling of food waste and ferrous metal recyclables.

Regarding construction waste, the overall quantity of construction waste generation rose by 4,945 tonnes per day on average in 2024 as compared to the preceding year, of which more than 90% was reused.

The construction waste disposed of at landfills increased slightly by 6% to about 4,694 tonnes per day. The overall construction waste recovery rate was above 90%, and the average quantity of construction waste reused was 45,810 tonnes per day.

Seizing the opportunity of increasing public participation in waste reduction and recycling, the Government will further promote the waste reduction and recycling culture, and will take forward waste reduction and recycling initiatives by strengthening publicity and education, enhancing the recycling network, boosting collaboration with industries, and using market forces to assist in the transition to a green economy.

In the meantime, the Government is building an advanced and efficient network of modern waste-to-energy facilities at full steam, with I·PARK1 commencing operation at the end of 2024.

It is also working at full steam on the preparation work for I·PARK2 to expand waste-to-energy capacity, with the goal to achieve zero landfill.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan today said the overall traffic condition is smooth on the first working day after the opening of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) yesterday.

Speaking to the media this morning, Ms Chan said up until now, there has been a total of 50,000 traffic of vehicles throughput through the bypass.

“We noticed a significant improvement in the diversion effect of the bypass in improving the traffic conditions along the Gascoigne Road Flyover and also other major roads in the Kowloon district.”

Ms Chan appealed to various road users to take care of their road safety and also to pay attention to the road signs.

In general, the usage of the bypass is smooth, she added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Greater Bay Area (GBA) International Clinical Trial Institute, established and wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, today officially established the Real-World Study & Application Centre (RWSAC).

The institute also launched the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform simultaneously.

Making the announcements, the Health Bureau said the two launches mark another significant step forward in promoting the co-ordinated development of the biomedical field in the GBA.

The RWSAC will leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages in medical data to enhance access to and the application of health and medical databases.

It will also integrate real-world data generated under the special measure of using Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the GBA.

Ultimately, the RWSAC aims to support registration applications for innovative drugs and medical devices in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, thereby accelerating product research and development (R&D), approval and market launch.

As of December 10, 71 designated Mainland healthcare institutions under the special measure have introduced a total of 140 drug and medical device products listed in Hong Kong and Macau, comprising 63 drugs and 77 medical devices, benefiting over 17,000 patient visits.

The institute signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, and the international biopharmaceutical company GSK in September this year to launch the institute’s first real-world data research project. It is expected that the project will officially start collecting data in the second quarter of next year.

In addition, the RWSAC will actively promote data application to support evidence-based decision-making, thereby optimising treatment strategies and enhancing healthcare system efficiency, and position Hong Kong as a leading region and international hub for real-world studies to attract global collaboration and investment.

Meanwhile, the simultaneously launched collaboration platform aims to integrate GBA clinical trial resources, and provide a one-stop service entry point for global biomedical enterprises, R&D institutions and researchers.

The collaboration platform will centrally handle service requests from the Mainland and overseas, and precisely match suitable research institutions and researchers based on specific needs through the Hong Kong Clinical Trial Digital Portal currently under construction.

The platform also provides comprehensive expert consultation covering medicine, statistics, regulatory affairs and ethics review, the bureau added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Department of Health (DH) announced today (December 22) that potential applicants for new drugs registration through the “1+” mechanism may now request one-on-one pre-new drug application (NDA) meetings with immediate effect. This service aims to further optimise the new drug registration approval process by working with the pharmaceutical industry to achieve the goals of early consultation to enhance quality and efficiency throughout the process so that registration approval can be expedited in Hong Kong. It will consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international health and medical innovation hub.
 
Consultation service for new drug applications under “1+” mechanism
————————————————————————–

     The introduction of the consultation service under the “1+” mechanism will enhance efficiency in processing applications. The consultation service comprises three components, namely briefing seminars, workshops and pre-NDA meetings.
      
     There are two types of pre-NDA meetings that provide tailored services and appropriate support for applicants with different needs. These meetings help potential applicants plan their applications earlier and more comprehensively, while streamlining the submission process. Details are as follows:
 

1. Company-oriented: Meetings are specifically for first-time applicants through the “1+” mechanism. DH professionals will provide tailored advice and guidance on applicable drug registration categories and application pathways based on the applicant company’s profiles and potential registration applications; and
    
2. Product-specific: Meetings are tailored to specific new drug registration projects. DH professionals will provide concrete advice on the supporting evidence, procedures and documentation required for the particular new drug registration.

 
     Information on how to apply for one-on-one pre-NDA meetings has been uploaded on the “1+” mechanism thematic webpage. To encourage the industry to experience the one-on-one pre-NDA meetings, no fees will be charged for this service at this stage. The DH will actively maintain communication with the industry to gather feedback and suggestions regarding the one-on-one pre-NDA meetings.
      
     Since March of this year, the DH has organised seven briefing seminars to brief the trade and stakeholders on the basic requirements and procedures for Hong Kong drug registration under the “1+” mechanism. The DH has also organised three workshops to provide guidance and share good practices and real-life experiences on submitting applications through the “1+” mechanism. These seminars and workshops have been well received by over 580 representatives from pharmaceutical companies, consultancy firms and research institutes, etc, in and outside Hong Kong. The DH has uploaded the detailed arrangements and briefing materials for the seminar to the thematic webpage on the “1+” mechanism. The DH will continue to organise workshops and briefing seminars as needed based on feedback from the industry.
 
Paving the way towards primary evaluation
————————————————
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has implemented the “1+” mechanism since November 1, 2023, and has extended it to all new drugs from November 1 last year, including all new chemical or biological entities and new indications, and vaccines and advanced therapy products. Under the “1+” mechanism, new drugs which are supported by local clinical data and recognised by local relevant experts can be applied for registration in Hong Kong by submitting approval from the drug regulatory authority of one of the reference places (instead of two in the past).
      
     Since the implementation of the “1+” mechanism, a total of 16 new drugs have been approved under this mechanism. Seven of them have been listed in the Hospital Authority Drug Formulary. The DH has been promoting the “1+” mechanism through different channels and so far has received more than 700 enquiries from over 180 pharmaceutical companies (including those from the Chinese Mainland and overseas).
      
     The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address announced that the HKSAR Government will accelerate the reform of the regulatory system for drugs and medical devices. The DH will continue to expedite the “1+” mechanism for new drugs by piloting the priority evaluation and approval of innovative drugs as recommended by the Hospital Authority for treatment of severe or rare diseases and to accelerate patients’ use of the advanced treatments. In addition, the DH will establish the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation by the end of 2026, and will implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases beginning in 2026. These efforts will provide strong momentum for the development and market expansion of the healthcare industry in the HKSAR, the Chinese Mainland, and beyond.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 20) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1 million.
 
A male passenger, aged 23, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags in his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.
 
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (December 22).
 
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: 

     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (December 21) clarified regarding a survey conducted by the Society for Community Organization about family medicine and primary healthcare consultations. The HA noted that over 60 per cent of respondents were Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients or Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) recipients, and the survey indicated that most respondents were concerned about the impact of public healthcare fees and charges reform on their willingness to seek medical consultation. The HA emphasises that the fees and charges reform will not affect the current approximately 600 000 individuals eligible for full fee waivers (including CSSA recipients, OALA recipients aged 75 or above, and Residential Care Service Voucher holders at co-payment Level 0). Their full fee waivers will automatically continue after the fees and charges reform implementation on January 1 next year. In fact, one of the key measures of the public healthcare fees and charges reform is to expand the current medical fee waiver mechanism, increasing the number of eligible beneficiaries outside these three social welfare schemes from the current 300 000 to 1.4 million people, which is 1.1 million people additional, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to nearly 2 million.

     Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) primarily serve two types of patients: chronic disease patients with stable conditions (such as diabetes) and patients with mild episodic illnesses (such as common cold). Chronic disease patients will be arranged follow-up appointments after consultation, requiring no self-booking. Patients with episodic illnesses can book appointments for morning, afternoon, or evening sessions within the next 24 hours through telephone or the “HA Go” application. The booking system operates round the clock and updates available slots in real time, including cancelled appointments.

     As a safety net for vulnerable groups, the HA has repositioned FMCs according to the Government’s Primary Healthcare Blueprint, focusing on providing comprehensive preventive services for low-income families and underprivileged elderly. Consultation duration is adjusted based on patients’ clinical conditions. To cope with demand, the HA continues to increase quotas, with new clinics in North District and Tseung Kwan O South commencing services in 2024 and 2025. The number of clinics providing holiday services has increased to 15 in 2025, with plans to further increase quotas and explore extended service hours in 2026-27.

     Additionally, the government launched the “Family Medicine Out-patient Priority Groups Pilot Scheme” in November 2025, covering specific groups including elderly aged 65 or above, CSSA recipients, and Working Family Allowance beneficiaries. Approximately 800 000 individuals can make priority booking for episodic illness consultation services.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In relation to last month’s fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Transport Department (TD) said today it has been steering public transport operators to enhance franchised bus and green minibus services, as well as residents’ services, to support households living in transitional housing in various districts.

 

The TD highlighted that an additional service route for residents, NR977, will be introduced, connecting Tai Po Market Station with CONCORDIA Tsat Sing Kong and CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River in Yuen Long.

 

Financial aid

As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.7 billion. Factoring in the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, the fund now amounts to around $4 billion.

 

Accommodation support

As of this morning, under the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, 572 residents are staying in hotel rooms, while 563 residents are staying in youth hostels/camps. Another 3,513 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society, or at Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.

 

Currently, more than 1,000 units are still available to affected residents as longer-term accommodation. The transitional housing and Housing Society projects in various districts can altogether provide around 500 units at present. Moreover, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can offer around 900 units.

 

Relief supplies

On the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 2,000 registrations have been received. Over 29,000 donated items have been distributed.