Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after attending a radio programme today (March 16):

Reporter: The Government has any plan to put the cap of using Elderly Health Care Vouchers on other non-chronic diseases? Secondly, about the dog that has been euthanised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, what is the latest situation? Are there any facts showing that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has any wrong doing in that?

Secretary for Food and Health: First of all, as far as setting the limit on the optometry services is concerned, the Government does not want the elderly to spend all their Elderly Health Care Vouchers on a particular service. If we look at the figures or the health status of our elderly in Hong Kong, in fact the burden of chronic diseases is very heavy, therefore we would like to provide more education to the elderly so that they can better use or use more effectively the health care vouchers, in particular for chronic disease prevention as well as chronic disease management.

     Regarding the dog, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has a set of procedures in dealing with these dogs that without any identification. They have to strike a balance. They have to protect the public in the aspect of public health because they are very worried about rabies. It is important that they have these measures to protect public health. I know there are people who would like to know how AFCD handles the body and whether the claimed owner of the dog can get back the body. Whoever can prove that they are the owner can actually contact the AFCD. The AFCD will then work with them on the procedures.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     The winners of the plant exhibit competition, which is one of the major activities of the Hong Kong Flower Show, were announced today (March 16). At the prize presentation ceremony, the best exhibits in the Open Competition Section and the Jockey Club School Section were each presented with a 2019 Hong Kong Flower Show Cup.
 
     Mr Cheung Sung-lam won the Open Competition Section with an exquisite bonsai plant attached to rocks, while students from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Li Ka Shing College won the School Section with three pots of outstanding flowering plants.
 
     The winner of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) Western Style Garden Plot Competition was Southern District, while Yau Tsim Mong District won the LCSD Oriental Style Garden Plot Competition.
 
     The flower show is being held at Victoria Park until March 24 from 9am to 9pm daily, featuring "When Dreams Blossom" as the main theme and the Chinese hibiscus as the theme flower.
 
     Some 420 000 flowers including about 40 000 Chinese hibiscus are on display. The event has attracted more than 260 organisations to take part. A diverse range of educational and recreational fringe activities are also being held for the enjoyment of visitors of all ages.
 
     To support environmental protection, visitors are encouraged to bring their own bottles, cutlery and environmentally friendly bags. The showground also has QR codes for obtaining information on the floor plan, the theme flower and the major attractions.
 
     For enquiries, please call 2601 8260 or visit the flower show webpage www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2019/index.html.
 
     The flower show is organised by the LCSD. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting the flower show for the seventh consecutive year and has been the Major Sponsor of the flower show since 2014.

        

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (March 17).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 16) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.