Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health today reminded the public that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm the reliability of using menstrual blood for cervical screening.

It made the statement in response to claims by businesses that menstrual blood can be collected using sanitary pads, then self-sampled and mailed to a laboratory for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

Regarding self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples, the department said there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of such a cervical screening method, adding that it will continue to review the latest scientific evidence in this field.

However, the department noted that in addition to healthcare professionals collecting cervical samples for cytology or HPV testing, the World Health Organization recommended that vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening.

Therefore, from June 2024, the department launched a Pilot Scheme on HPV Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal & Child Health Centres (MCHCs) that provide family planning services in order to explore the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling.

The department said women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should consult healthcare professionals to select and undergo appropriate cervical screening methods regularly.

Women planning to receive cervical screening at any of the MCHCs may make an appointment via the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​In response to claims by businesses that menstrual blood can be collected using sanitary pads, then self-sampled and mailed to laboratory for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 26) reminded members of the public that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence, both locally and internationally, to confirm the reliability of using menstrual blood for cervical screening.
 
In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the ninth most common female cancer in 2022, with 522 new cases and 167 deaths. To reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, the Government has all along implemented a multi-pronged strategy. This includes providing free HPV vaccinations to eligible Primary Five schoolgirls under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme since the 2019/20 school year by the DH; launching the Cervical Screening Programme in 2004; and promoting and enhancing health education through various channels to further increase screening coverage and public awareness of cervical cancer prevention.
 
In response to the recommendation of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), the DH adopted HPV testing using cervical cells as the primary approach of cervical screening for women aged 30 to 64 since April 2023. For women aged 25 to 29, in view of their higher prevalence of transient HPV infection, HPV testing may lead to unnecessary follow-up test and medical procedures. The CEWG recommended that women in this age group continue to undergo cervical screening by cervical cytology (also known as cervical smear or Pap smear).
 
In addition to healthcare professionals collecting cervical samples for cytology or HPV testing, the World Health Organization recommended that vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening. Hence, from June 2024, the DH launched a Pilot Scheme on HPV Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) that provide family planning services in order to explore the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling.
 
Regarding self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples, the DH noted that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of such cervical screening method. The DH will continue to review the latest scientific evidence in this field.  
 
The DH stressed that all screening methods have their limitations, including the potential for false negative or false positive results. Therefore, screening results should only be used as a reference and cannot substitute professional diagnosis by medical practitioners. Members of the public who have concerns about their screening results should consult healthcare professionals to develop appropriate health assessment plan based on their personal health conditions and needs, and to undergo examination at suitable medical institutions. Under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161), any medical diagnosis must be made by a registered medical practitioner. If, during the process, the medical practitioner deem it necessary for the patient to undergo laboratory tests or examinations, the medical practitioner may either conduct such tests or examinations himself/herself or refer the tests or examinations to a registered medical laboratory technologist to perform. Under the Allied Health Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359) and its subsidiary legislation, a registered medical laboratory technologist shall not perform any laboratory tests or examinations for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment unless referred by a registered medical practitioner.  
 
Women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should consult healthcare professionals to select and undergo appropriate cervical screening methods regularly. Women planning to receive cervical screening at any of the MCHCs under the DH may make an appointment via the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631. For more information about cervical cancer and screening, please visit https://www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk/en/index.html.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Mrs Lee, 74, and her 84-year-old husband are a doubleton elderly household relying on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance. Earlier this year, Mrs Lee underwent knee replacement surgery and received respite services at a care home. Dependent on a wheelchair, she requires regular hospital visits for follow-up care and physiotherapy, posing logistical and financial challenges.

“At first, I could not find anyone to help me and I was struggling financially,” Mrs Lee explained.

“My relatives and friends were busy working, while my husband, being elderly, was unable to help either. For the care home to accompany me to medical consultations, it would cost $600 per day for just five hours, plus $100 for each additional hour. I was at a complete loss as to what to do.”

Timely support

Mrs Lee’s physiotherapy is essential to prevent her from losing her mobility.

Fortunately, a relative recommended the Designated Hotline for Carer Support, 182 183, offering a glimmer of hope to the couple.

“I felt anxious and did not know where to turn,” Mr Lee recounted. “I shared my situation with my sister, and she mentioned that a friend had told her about a service that could help. She gave me the phone number and encouraged me to call for assistance.”

A social worker from the hotline arranged an outreach visit, assessed the couple’s situation and approved subsidies to cover respite care and related expenses. They also organised for Mrs Lee to be escorted to appointments, and facilitated a referral for Integrated Home Care Services to ensure ongoing assistance.

Courageous step

Launched by the Social Welfare Department in 2023, the Carer Hotline operates around the clock and is staffed by social workers, who provide consultation, counselling and assistance in matching respite services. By the end of September this year, the hotline had received over 119,000 calls and referred more than 2,200 cases to relevant social welfare service units for follow-up.

Designated Hotline for Carer Support Supervisor Venus Ho said callers often begin by asking about specific services, such as meal delivery or care homes.

“We do not just provide information, we dig deeper to understand why they need these services,” she explained. “Many worry about being a burden to others, feel embarrassed about their family circumstances or believe they should be able to manage on their own.

“Many carers are reluctant to take a step back because they fear their families might misunderstand and think they have abandoned their caregiving duties. We hope they realise that the hotline acts like a relay baton, so when they are exhausted and feel they cannot go on, they can pass the baton to us. We will walk alongside them, giving them space to rest and recharge so they can return to their caregiving responsibilities with renewed energy.”

Ms Ho emphasised that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a positive and courageous step.

Enhanced care

Social Welfare Department Chief Social Work Officer (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) Kelvin Tam outlined that the department promotes respite services through the Carer Hotline and District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams), encouraging carers to call the hotline for matching of respite services. Transportation subsidies are also available to make it easier for elderly residents and persons with disabilities to utilise respite services.

To build confidence and familiarity, the Social Welfare Department encourages local service units to organise visits and experiential programmes so that care recipients can adapt to respite environments in advance.

“Many service users who participated in these programmes have expressed that respite services truly provide carers with a break, and they now understand that these services are not only for emergencies.”

The department has also launched the first phase of the Carer Support Data Platform, initially connecting its data with that of the Hospital Authority and the Housing Authority. In July, two pilot programmes commenced involving those bodies.

By the end of September, the department had received hospital admission notifications for 885 high-risk carer cases from the Hospital Authority, two of which were confirmed as needing emergency support.

As part of the pilot programme, jointly conducted by the Social Welfare Department and the Housing Authority, Care Teams have visited over 10,000 high-risk elderly and carer households, and have referred more than 640 cases to social welfare service units.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and opposed recent remarks by individual members of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations regarding the case endangering national security involving Lai Chee-ying and the treatment provided to him during his custody, including absurd and fact-twisting comments intended to pervert the course of justice.

It said their malicious intentions to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government and challenge the bottom line of the “one country, two systems” principle are blatantly obvious and must be sternly denounced to set the record straight.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice.

In addition, the suggestion that any persons or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanctions for their illegal acts and activities is tantamount to granting such persons privileges to break the law and is totally contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

It pointed out that external forces continue to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the Hong Kong SAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on the courts of the Hong Kong SAR. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urged relevant US politicians to respect the basic principles of the rule of law and judicial independence and immediately stop the above despicable political manipulation.

It added that regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of persons-in-custody (PICs), the Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and that an environment with good ventilation, as well as appropriate and timely medical support will be provided.

If inmates require further examination and treatment, they will be referred to specialist medical staff or to public hospitals for further follow-up. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism to ensure the rights of PICs are protected.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the CSD adopts the above arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.

It also highlighted that during an earlier open court hearing, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions arrange daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical care he receives there. The Court commended the CSD while the Department of Justice stated that the prosecution is equally concerned about Lai Chee-ying’s health and well-being.

Therefore, the CSD has arranged for a professional medical team to be on standby on the spot, ready to respond to any emergency immediately if needed.

While external forces and anti-China media chose to turn a blind eye to these facts, and continued to repeat lies and engage in despicable operations, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it must sternly denounce their wrongdoings.

It also reiterated that the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying’s removal from association from other PICs has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law.

“The remarks by these external forces regarding Lai Chee-ying’s solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government.”

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised it will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security, effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law, and safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law at the same time.

It strongly urged all external forces to immediately stop interfering in the Hong Kong SAR’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the Hong Kong SAR.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Toast to Success: Hong Kong Top Travel Agent Awards Celebration & Gala Dinner of 2025 Wine and Dine Festival today (October 25):

Michael (Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong), Rosanna (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law), Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening.

     A very warm welcome to the Tasting Room, and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a world of fabulous dining and imbibing, day and night. I hope you brought your appetite. This gala evening features an eight-course dinner with splendid wine pairings, from Bordeaux and Xinjiang’s Turpan Valley. 

     For that, and a great deal more, my thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. As Peter noted, tonight is about more than fine wine and culinary magic. It’s also a celebration of collaboration, of connection. 

     On this good evening, I’m pleased to welcome leaders from the financial and business sectors, as well as MICE (meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions) partners from around the world. Each of you shares a passion for excellence and the promise of partnership. That creates an ideal setting to make new friends, build lasting ties and look to Hong Kong for your future.

     The momentum in our tourism sector is truly encouraging. In the first nine months of this year, we welcomed over 36 million visitors from around the world, up 12 per cent year on year. And the number of international visitors increased by 16 percent. MICE is the fastest recovering segment.

     Visitors added more than HK$11 billion to our economy  ̶  a clear testament to the value and impact of hosting business events here.

     More than a pillar of the economy, tourism brings our city’s story to dazzling life, life you can see and experience, first-hand, for yourself.

     Hong Kong is the events capital of Asia for good reason. This year alone, our calendar is packed with more than 200 major events. We expect they will attract some 2.3 million visitors, generating over US$1 billion in spending.

     Beyond business, our city features a wide and welcome range of arts and culture, sports, entertainment and other leisure events throughout the year. The Wine & Dine Festival is a prime example, a happy celebration of Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture. An enticing opportunity, too, to experience another side of Hong Kong – one that is festive, fun and full of delicious surprise.

     We’re working to create a continuing buzz, one great, city-wide festival that never ends. Our goal is simple – to give visitors reason after remarkable reason to stay longer, explore deeper, spend more and keep coming back.

     And we’re building for the future, locking in long-term partnerships to ensure that these signature events become an essential part of Hong Kong’s story. 

     Our new, multi-year deal with LIV Golf, for example, brings the world’s top golfers, and their fans, right here to our city.

     We’re also deepening our collaboration with Art Basel, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as the region’s exclusive host city for the high-profile arts extravaganza. 

     It’s also part of our “Tourism is Everywhere” drive, one we’re bringing to bright life, leveraging the city’s distinctive culture, creativity and energy to attract visitors from around the world. And each of you plays an important role in realising that ambitious goal. 

     I invite you to become our “Tourism Ambassadors”, helping us share the authentic and inspiring story of Hong Kong.

     Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is just a few minutes away. I wish you all a memorable evening and a delightful stay here in Hong Kong, Asia’s World City and event capital. Culinary capital, too!

     And for our local friends, please mark your diary for another event – the Legislative Council election on December 7. It is an important moment for our future. 

     Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination) was held today (October 25).

     Since the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress’ authorisation of the State Council to conduct a pilot scheme in 2020, the GBA Examination has been held five times. Currently, over 620 Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners have passed the GBA Examination and obtained the Lawyer’s License (Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area) to provide legal services in the nine Mainland municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) on specified civil and commercial matters to which the Mainland laws apply.

     The Acting Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said, “The GBA has the unique advantage of ‘one country, two systems and three jurisdictions’. GBA lawyers are dually qualified and can play an important role in facilitating the construction of the rule of law in the GBA as well as contributing to the country’s high-quality development. The Department of Justice will continue to support the authorities including the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province in their work to take forward the development of the GBA lawyers scheme, and also maintain communication with the legal sector to assist GBA lawyers in their business development.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Main Media Centre (MMC) in the Hong Kong competition region of the 15th National Games (NG) will officially commence operation tomorrow and stay open until November 23.

Upholding the spirit of implementation of green initiatives in organising the 15th NG, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), the MMC is converted from the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre.

　

The MMC consists of the Main Press Centre and the International Broadcast Centre. 

The Main Press Centre provides work stations, press positions, a press conference room and other facilities for registered media and broadcasters, and will live broadcast competitions as well as provide live results and information about the competitions.

The International Broadcast Centre will serve as the main broadcast control room of the 15th NG, 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, and will be operated by the host broadcaster, China Central Television, for consolidating broadcast signals from all venues in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Four rights-holding broadcasters, including three local free television broadcasters and Radio Television Hong Kong, have been conferred the broadcasting rights, enabling them to broadcast the 15th NG for free locally.

  

After the 15th NG, the venue will be transformed into the MMC of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Labour Department (LD) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) jointly held an occupational safety seminar at the Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre today (October 25). The seminar elaborated on safety precautions that various industries should take while working, and demonstrated the use of appropriate safety equipment for repair, maintenance, alteration and addition works to enhance occupational safety awareness among ethnic minorities.

Speaking at the seminar, the Acting Commissioner for Labour, Mr Vincent Fung, said that the ethnic minority community is vital to the city’s workforce, and their occupational safety and well-being must be safeguarded. He emphasised that occupational safety and health (OSH) is a shared duty, and that employers and employees should work together to build a safety culture. The LD will continue to enhance occupational safety through inspections, enforcement, publicity and promotion, as well as education and training. He also took the opportunity to urge eligible voters to cast their ballots in the Legislative Council Elections on December 7, selecting capable and competent representatives who can contribute to Hong Kong’s occupational safety standards and the city’s prosperity.

At the seminar, a representative of the LD outlined the safety legislations on OSH, while a representative of the OSHC introduced various sponsorship schemes for small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) and OSH Star Enterprise Schemes, encouraging all SMEs across Hong Kong to participate and proactively improve their OSH practices.

A safety equipment exhibition was held at the venue, showcasing different types of equipment such as a light-duty working platform, a step platform, transportable temporary anchor devices and a full body safety harness, allowing participants to experience firsthand the effectiveness of the equipment.