Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Pok Oi Hospital 
     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient, an 81-year-old male in the mixed specialty ward, was identified as a carrier of VRE. The patient is now being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.
 
     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.
Issued at HKT 17:45

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Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing alternative smoking products (with photo) 
     Customs officers intercepted the 39-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on July 1 and seized 36 800 alternative smoking products from his personal baggage. The total estimated market value was about $99,000. He was subsequently arrested.
 
     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
 
     Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:38

Three other new drugs approved under “1+” mechanism for benefits of good drugs 
Three new drugs approved
 
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has implemented the “1+” mechanism since November 1, 2023, to facilitate the registration of new drugs used for the treatment of life-threatening or severely debilitating diseases in Hong Kong. With effect from November 1 last year, the “1+” mechanism has been extended to all new drugs, including all new chemical or biological entities and new indications, and vaccines and advanced therapy products. New drugs that are supported by local clinical data and recognised by local experts can be applied for registration in Hong Kong by submitting approval from one reference drug regulatory authority (instead of two in the past).
 
The above three products have been approved by the drug regulatory authority in the United States and submitted for registration applications under the “1+” mechanism. Having evaluated the clinical data and relevant information submitted by the applicant and advice given by local experts, the Registration Committee under the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong considered that the new drugs satisfied the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality, and approved the registration of the new drugs. The Department of Health (DH) has already notified the applicants of the results of the applications.
 
Paving the way towards “primary evaluation”
 
Since the implementation of the “1+” mechanism, a total of 14 new drugs, including the above three drugs, have been approved under this mechanism. Five 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 620 enquiries from over 160 pharmaceutical companies, including those from overseas and the Mainland. Many companies have expressed interest in submitting applications for registration of their products, including advanced therapy products, under the extended “1+” mechanism. Since the launch of the consultation service for new drugs applications under the “1+” mechanism in March this year, the DH has already held a number of briefing seminars and workshops. The DH will also have pre-new drug application meetings with potential “1+” registration applicants, starting from the fourth quarter of this year, to enhance the efficiency in processing relevant applications.
 
The “1+” mechanism serves to attract more new drugs from different parts of the world seeking approval for registration in Hong Kong, giving patients more choices and further strengthening the local capacity for drug evaluation while enhancing the development of relevant software, hardware and expertise with a view to progressing towards “primary evaluation”, i.e. to directly approve applications for registration of drugs and medical devices based on clinical data in Hong Kong, without relying on other drug regulatory authorities.
 
The Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation will be established by the end of next year, and the DH will implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases beginning next year, with full implementation by 2030. The DH will continue to proactively advance preparatory work for “primary evaluation” for new drug registration and progressively establish a robust approval system for medical products, providing strong momentum for the development of healthcare in the HKSAR, the Mainland, and beyond, thereby transforming Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. 
Issued at HKT 17:15

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Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme to implement annual consultation co-payment adjustments and expand service targetsIssued at HKT 17:15

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Speech by SEE at thematic session three of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Korea (English only) (with photo) 
     Thank you, Chair and fellow colleagues. AI is the key driver to overhaul our energy systems. AI will help us optimise energy production, distribution and consumption, ultimately leading to more resilient and adaptive energy systems. To this end, Hong Kong, China is proactively applying I&T (innovation and technology) and putting efforts and resources into advancing the development of AI. Taking this opportunity, I would like to share with you some examples of AI applications in the energy sector in Hong Kong, China. 
 
     This year, we have launched Engentica, the first AI agent in the Building E&M (electrical and mechanical) industry that redefines intelligent infrastructure management. Leveraging Semantic AI and large language models, Engentica revolutionises facility management by providing real-time chiller optimisation and adjustments based on live weather data, automated fault diagnosis, and predictive maintenance, etc, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and reliability of infrastructures. 
 
     In addition, one of our power companies has introduced an advanced AI management system to monitor the company’s critical power facilities. With the help of AI, the management system integrates and monitors real-time signals from about 3 000 sensors and cameras across the power company’s electricity networks in the city, alerting engineering personnel to respond to incidents immediately when potential risks are detected.
 
     Last year, Hong Kong, China also showcased two innovative AI applications at the Knowledge Sharing Platform for the APEC Energy Smart Communities Initiative: the ChillStream – an AI-based Chiller Plant Optimisation System, and Power-hawk Inspector – a drone-based inspection system using AI to identify power grid defects. We are delighted that the two initiatives were recognised by fellow APEC member economies, receiving three awards at the ESCI (Energy Smart Communities Initiative) Best Practices Awards Program.
 
     With cutting-edge research, robust infrastructure and a diverse talent pool, Hong Kong, China provides an ideal platform for promoting AI solutions across the region. We look forward to collaborating and partnering with APEC economies on AI projects to leverage our shared expertise and resources to drive AI development. 
Issued at HKT 15:56

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Sponsors sought for 2026 Chinese New Year Fireworks Display 
     The fireworks display will be held on February 18 (Wednesday) next year.
 
     Applications should be submitted to the Secretariat of the Fireworks Vetting Committee (Address: Community Programmes Office, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, 8/F, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, 18 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
 
     Further enquiries can be made at 2591 1382.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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EAC Chairman inspects hands-on training session for polling staff of 2025 Election Committee Subsector By-elections Issued at HKT 13:15

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