Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP collaborates with private hospitals to enhance infection control measures and tackle antimicrobial resistance
The Head of the ICB of the CHP, Dr Edmond Ma, said at the meeting that private hospitals are key stakeholders in preventing infectious diseases and combating AMR. AMR surveillance data in private hospitals in 2025 revealed that among all the Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from clinical specimens, the proportion of methicillin-resistant strains ranged from 9 to 24 per cent. While this is comparable to the corresponding proportions of 2024, the trends still require close monitoring.
“Optimising the use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, is one of the major strategies for controlling AMR under the Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (Action Plan). One of the objectives is to enhance ASP in private hospitals to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and curb the development of AMR,” said Dr Ma.
At the meeting, representatives from the CHP and private hospitals exchanged views on the current status and practical implementation of ASP. Drawing on international and local experiences, the representatives focused their discussion on five key elements, including leadership support, monitoring of antibiotic usage, implementing and reporting ASP, and continuous education among healthcare workers. The CHP recommended that private hospitals strengthen their existing ASP in these five key areas to ensure that doctors within the hospital prescribe antibiotics based on scientific evidence and in accordance with patients’ needs.
The CHP also reminded doctors at private hospitals that they can refer to the antimicrobial guidelines, IMPACT
“The CHP will continue to hold regular meetings with private hospitals through the working group to strengthen collaboration on infection control and the promotion of appropriate antibiotic use, and to facilitate communication and the sharing of experiences between private hospitals and the public healthcare sector to jointly address the challenges posed by infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance,” said Dr Ma.
The CHP set up the working group in 2011, comprising representatives from the CHP and infection control officers from local private hospitals. The group is cochaired by the Head of the ICB and a representative from the private hospital sector. The working group aims to facilitate co-ordination between the CHP and private hospitals on infection control measures and responses to AMR, thereby optimising surveillance and ASP to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics.
Members of the public and healthcare professionals can visit the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 18:05
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