Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

DH investigates Serious Untoward Event involving day procedure centre “Heal Fertility Limited” and requests that it stop accepting new cases for reproductive technology procedures          
     The concerned DPC is located in One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Road, Central. The incident involved two couples preparing to undergo reproductive technology procedures. The embryo biopsy specimens they provided for testing were suspected to be replaced by other embryo biopsy specimens. The testing centre discovered the error during the genetic testing process and coordinated with the DPC to repeat the sampling and testing.
      
     The DPC had earlier reported the incident to the Council, the Council notified the DH on the evening of July 3 following an investigation. The DH immediately sent staff to the DPC on the morning of July 4 to conduct an inspection and investigation, and to thoroughly review the relevant workflows and safety measures according to the Ordinance. The investigation revealed that the incident involved misidentification of the test specimens, which constitutes a Serious Untoward Event under the Code of Practice. However, the DPC did not report the incident to the DH within 24 hours upon identification, which constituted a non-compliance to the Code of Practice. According to information provided by the DPC, genetic testing subsequently confirmed that the two couples were biologically related to the embryos stored at the DPC, indicating that the embryos themselves had not been mixed up. The incident involved an error with the biopsy specimens sent for testing, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that any embryos were mixed up or incorrectly implanted.
      
     In view of the preliminary investigation findings, human factors may be involved. To ensure public safety, the DH issued a requirement notice to the DPC on July 6 and required the DPC to take the following measures:
      The DH has provided the Council with the preliminary findings of its investigation. The DH will continue to take the necessary follow-up actions in accordance with the Ordinance and maintain close liaison with the Council to safeguard public safety.
Issued at HKT 23:10

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Council on Human Reproductive Technology suspends most reproductive technology procedures of “Heal Fertility Limited”      
     The Council convened a special meeting today (July 7) to discuss an incident involving a mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens at a licensed human reproductive technology centre in Central, “Heal Fertility Limited” (Heal Fertility). The Council passed a resolution to vary the treatment licence of the licensee, suspending 14 treatment services out of 17 that can be provided. The premises can continue to provide three services, including the storage services for gametes or embryos, until the Council and the Police complete their investigation.
           
     The Council received notifications on June 17 separately from Heal Fertility and the Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong at the Prince of Wales Hospital (diagnosis centre), which provides laboratory testing services for Heal Fertility, that embryo biopsy specimens sent by Heal Fertility to the diagnosis centre for genetic testing are suspected to be replaced by other embryo biopsy specimens. The diagnosis centre discovered the mistake in time during the genetic testing process.
      
     The Council immediately set up an investigation committee on June 18, and assigned a clinical embryologist under the support of the Council’s secretariat staff to conduct a surprise investigation at Heal Fertility, followed by two follow-up on site investigation. Based on information gathered from the investigation, Heal Fertility was suspected of having contravened the requirements under the Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research, as well as other statutory requirements. The Council subsequently reported the incident to the Department of Health and the Police on July 3 and 6 respectively.
      
     According to the information provided by Heal Fertility, parentage had been established through testing between the two couples involved in the incident and the embryos stored at Heal Fertility, indicating no mix-up in the embryos. The incident involved a mix-up in the biopsy specimens sent for testing, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that any embryos had been mixed up or wrongly implanted into human body.
      
     Initial findings suggested that incident may be caused by human factor. Heal Fertility, while co-operating with the Council’s investigation, has implemented measures to enhance access control on handling of embryo and specimens on the premises.
       
     To protect all clients who have undergone reproductive treatment at Heal Fertility, the Council has also required the licensee:
           The Secretariat for Council has also set up a hotline (2125 1188) for public inquiries. The hotline will operate from 9am to 11pm starting today, and from 9am to 9pm daily starting tomorrow, until further notice.
      
     According to the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance (Cap. 561) (Ordinance), healthcare institutions providing reproductive technology procedures must hold licences issued by the Council. Currently, a total of 13 public and 21 private healthcare institutions have been licensed by the Council (including 15 artificial insemination by husband licences and 19 treatment licences).

     The Council will send a letter to all other licensees in Hong Kong who provide reproductive technology procedures, reminding them to strictly comply with the licensing requirements regarding the handling of embryos used in reproductive technology procedures.  
      
     The Council, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue follow-ups on the incident seriously and take appropriate actions. The Council is committed to ensuring that all parents seeking reproductive technology procedures can continue to receive safe and high-quality services.
      
     Established in 2001 under the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance, the Council is tasked with regulating reproductive technology activities, including regulating the provision of reproductive technology procedures and embryo research, in Hong Kong through a licensing system, and formulating the Code of Practice for the relevant sectors.
Issued at HKT 23:00

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Government responds to media enquiries on operation of fishponds within area of planning Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park  
     The SPS WCP is positioned with the theme “Biodiversity and Aquaculture in Harmony”. By restoring and enhancing existing wetland habitats, the project aims to enhance the ecological functions of the wetland systems in the Deep Bay area and protect bird flight corridors and habitats. At the same time, it will provide citizens and visitors with a rich eco-tourism experience and introduce modernised aquaculture facilities and techniques, and thus achieve triple objectives of wetland conservation, eco-education, recreation and tourism development, and the modernisation of the aquaculture industry.
  
     With regard to spatial planning, the majority of the area within the SPS WCP (approximately 253 hectares (ha)) is planned to be managed as “Ecologically Enhanced Fishponds” (EEF) that serve the dual functions of nature conservation and pond fish culture. Through proactive conservation measures such as physical modification, reprofiling and management planning of the fishponds, the habitat quality and biodiversity of the wetland habitats can be enhanced, thereby increasing the overall ecological function of the wetlands. These EEF will also adopt eco-friendly aquaculture practices, with suitable adoption of modernised aquaculture technologies, which can improve the production efficiency and quality while reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
 
     In addition, approximately 35 ha within the SPS WCP is planned to be managed as “Enhanced Freshwater Wetland” habitats, where proactive conservation measures such as establishing areas of varying water depth, providing dense vegetation cover, maintaining seasonal wetlands, etc., will be implemented to provide birds and other wildlife species with diverse micro-habitats.
 
      Furthermore, to promote the use of technology in aquaculture, a “Fisheries Enhancement Area” (FEA) of approximately 40 ha will be established within the SPS WCP area adjacent to the San Tin Technopole, where the ecological value is lower. The FEA will introduce modernised, high-yield aquaculture facilities and technologies, implement modernised aquaculture management practices, and adopt high-density culture operations for pond fish farming. It will utilise existing fishponds, abandoned fishponds, and brownfield areas as far as possible. Indoor and outdoor facilities (such as recirculating aquaculture systems, outdoor sheltered ponds, purging ponds/facilities etc.) will be set up, thereby enhancing the quantity, quality, and value of local fisheries produce.
 
     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, together with the Civil Engineering and Development Department, are moving full steam ahead with the phased establishment of the SPS WCP. Clearance of the land within the Phase 1 Stage 1 area of the SPS WCP has been completed. Construction works for Phase 1 of the SPS WCP are expected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027 the earliest, and completed by 2031.
 
     During the interim period, uses within the proposed park area will remain subject to regulation. The relevant departments will continue to enforce regulations and take forward prosecutions against unauthorised developments, illegal waste dumping and other related illegal activities within the proposed SPS WCP area under relevant ordinances, including the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131), the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354) and the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 28). Relevant departments will step up inspections, such as utilising new technologies (for instance drones) to assist in monitoring and investigations, and prioritise cases related to this area.
Issued at HKT 20:41

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LCSD appeals to public to remain vigilant to fraudulent “SmartPLAY” website           
     The LCSD stresses that SmartPLAY has no connection with the fraudulent website, and has reported the case to the Police. The LCSD reiterates that there is only one official SmartPLAY website (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk           
     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified emails or messages, and should not provide any personal information at suspicious websites, including their SmartPLAY account information and passwords. Any persons having provided their personal information to the fraudulent website concerned, or suspecting that they may have become victims of fraudulent acts, should contact the Police. For enquiries about SmartPLAY, please call the hotline at 3954 5150.
Issued at HKT 20:40