In response to media enquiries about the licence of a day procedure centre (DPC) in Causeway Bay being cancelled, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) gave the following response today (December 9):

     Regarding the cancellation of the licence of a DPC in Causeway Bay by the DH in accordance with the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633), the statutory period of notification had lapsed. The Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities (ORPHF) of the DH had published the information on its website today (www.directory.orphf.gov.hk/Directory/en/Common/RecordsOfRegulatoryActions), with the date of licence cancellation being December 9, 2023.

     During the DH's routine inspection at the concerned DPC, the DPC was found to have contravened the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance, including possession and suspected use of an unlicensed X-ray machine, suspected handling of injectable pharmaceutical products that are suspected to be unregistered, failing to maintain complete, comprehensive, and accurate medical records of patients, as well as failing to provide relevant information of personnel performing patient consultation and drug prescription.

     The DH discovered that the DPC possesses and is suspected to have used an unlicensed X-ray machine. The X-ray machine is mainly used for X-ray fluoroscopic examination on the limbs. During normal use, the radiation emitted by the X-ray machine would not cause a significant impact on human health. The X-ray machine has been marked and sealed.

     Besides, the DPC is suspected to have handled injectable vitamin preparations that are suspected to be unregistered. In general, injectable vitamin preparations could be used to treat relevant vitamin-deficiency diseases. The DH has requested the DPC to contact the patients who have used the suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH has not received any reports of adverse events related to this DPC so far.

     With regard to the suspected illegal medical practice and professional misconduct, the DH has referred to the Police and the Medical Council of Hong Kong for follow-up respectively.

     Under the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303), possession or use of unlicenced X-ray machine constitutes an offence, the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and two-year imprisonment.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A), illegal supply of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence, the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two-year imprisonment.

     The DH is continuing its follow-up on the suspected use of an unlicensed X-ray machine and handling of unregistered pharmaceutical products that are suspected to be unregistered by the DPC, as well as obstructing or delaying authorised officers of the DH in performing their functions. The DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice for prosecution matters upon completion of the investigation. Referral would be made to relevant enforcement agencies or authorities as appropriate.

     The DH reminded members of the public who have received treatment/injection at the abovementioned DPC to seek medical attention if feeling unwell. Also, injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience.

     Three charities have been issued Public Subscription Permits to hold flag sales from 7am to 12.30pm today (December 9). They are, on Hong Kong Island, Life Education Activity Programme; in Kowloon, The Hong Kong Buddhist Association; and in the New Territories, Sai Kung District Community Centre, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said.
      
     Arrangements have been made with the charities to help people to distinguish among the three flag-selling activities.    
      
     Information on the three flag-selling organisations on December 9 is as follows:
 

 
     Details of the charitable fund-raising activities, including any updated information, covered by the issued Public Subscription Permits have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search). Permits for flag days containing information on contact methods of the flag-selling organisations and the approved flag-selling activities have also been uploaded to the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/ngo/controlofc/flagdays) for reference. For enquiries, please call the SWD's hotline at 2343 2255, or the designated hotline of the 1823 Call Centre at 3142 2678.
      
     In the case of suspected fraudulent flag day activities, people should not make any donation and should immediately report the matter to the Police, the spokesman added.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) presents film productions by Ann Hui, one of the most acclaimed filmmakers from Hong Kong, under the "Tribute to Ann Hui" section at the 19th FILMASIA festival, taking place from December 7 to 11 in Prague (Prague time).

     The festival welcomed the Hong Kong director Ann Hui as a special guest in Prague, who "contributed to Hong Kong's prosperous film industry like hardly anyone else" as the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Ms Jenny Szeto, said in her speech at the festival's opening ceremony. Ann Hui would also give a masterclass on December 8.

     Hong Kong has always been a melting pot where East meets West, connecting people from different cultures. To further the city's efforts in establishing itself as an international cultural exchange hub, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is mapping out a blueprint for arts and culture and creative industries development, nurturing a diverse talent pool, and upgrading cultural infrastructure to further enhance the relevant ecosystem.

     "I sincerely invite all the film and creative professionals to come to Hong Kong, and join us in creating even better quality productions to bring a positive impact to the world", Ms Szeto added.

About HKETO Berlin

     The HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in the Czech Republic as well as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 8) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
      
     From December 1 to yesterday (December 7), the CHP recorded four imported DF cases. The patients had been to Cambodia (one case), Malaysia (one case) and Thailand (two cases) respectively during the incubation periods.
      
     As of yesterday, 59 imported cases of DF had been recorded in 2023. In 2022, 26 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some places in Asia (such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand) compared to the same period last year. Members of the public, while travelling abroad, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     
     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

​* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     â€‹â€‹The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     To further enhance public awareness and the atmosphere of the District Council Election (the Election), and to encourage the public to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes, the Government has announced earlier that the "District Council Election Fun Day" will be held tomorrow (December 9), the day before the polling day (December 10) of the Election, for the enjoyment of the public. A variety of activities will be held and special offers will be made available across various districts in Hong Kong. The Government reminds and encourages members of the public to proactively take part in the activities tomorrow and extend their best wishes towards the election.

     Details of the wide range of activities and special offers of the "District Council Election Fun Day" tomorrow are as follows:

(1) A number of carnivals to be held in various districts will include:
• A pop-up event entitled "Harbourfront is One and All" will be held by the Development Bureau and the Harbourfront Commission at the Wan Chai harbourfront from 2pm to 6pm.
• The NGO HKALPS will organise a "Tri Paddling Challenge" at the Kwun Tong waterfront from 9am to 6pm.
• The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will organise "Fun in Sports & DC Election" incorporating sports and games elements at six outdoor venues, namely: Kung Fu Corner at Kowloon Park, Kai Tak Station Square, Hong Kong Velodrome Park, Ginza Square in Tin Shui Wai, Pak Tai Temple Playground, Cheung Chau and Quarry Bay Park (Tai Chi Garden). Except for Kai Tak Station Square, where the carnival will be held from 3pm to 5pm, events at the other five venues will all be held from 2pm to 5pm.
• The "District Council Election into the Community" exhibition will be set up at Domain Mall in Yau Tong while mobile game stalls will be set up at the Tung Chung Municipal Services Building. Three promotional vehicles will be stationed in Wong Tai Sin, Tai Po and Wan Chai to serve as mobile resource centres.

(2) Admission to fee-charging exhibitions of the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art as well as the Hong Kong Wetland Park, will be free. Offers on visiting historic buildings and monuments will be provided.

(3) The photo exhibition "Mission", which is themed on the six disciplinary forces and two auxiliary forces of the Security Bureau, will be held at the Hong Kong Central Library. Talks and six guided tours will be arranged for students.

(4) The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited (KMB) will co-host an exhibition of vintage buses and electric buses at the KMB Yuet Lun Street Depot in Lai Chi Kok. Admission is free.

(5) The Education Bureau will host a "Parent-child Fun Day" with organisations to encourage kindergartens, primary and secondary school students and their parents to know more about their residential district through parent-child activities.

(6) Members of the public can earn 1 210 GREEN$ points for recyclables at a minimum weight of 0.5 kilograms when they recycle via the GREEN@COMMUNITY network under the Environmental Protection Department.

​     In addition, the "Build a Better Community" gala will be held at Wonderland of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) between 7pm and 10pm tomorrow. The gala will be broadcast live jointly by the Television Broadcasts Limited, ViuTV, HOY TV, Phoenix Satellite Television, Radio Television Hong Kong, Metro Broadcast and Commercial Radio (in no particular order). At the same time, satellite sites will be set up at HarbourChill, Wan Chai Harbourfront, and the Amphitheatre at Sha Tin Park. In addition to telecasting the programme from the gala in West Kowloon, there will also be live performances and game booths for public enjoyment. Moreover, the "Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics" will take place at 8pm tomorrow at the waters off the harbourside of WKCD Art Park. At 9pm, a drone show will also be staged at the waters southeast of the M+ museum of the WKCD. Members of the public may view these two performances along the promenade of the WKCD Art Park. These performances will also be broadcast live at the West Kowloon gala and the two satellite sites. Members of the public who cannot attend the shows at the venues may also enjoy the shows at home to celebrate the Election and support building a better community together.

     A Government spokesman said, "The District Council Election on December 10 is the first large-scale territory-wide election being held after improving the district governance system and reforming the District Councils. It is of utmost significance to the wellbeing of every citizen, the harmony and stability of the community as well as the good governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In pursuit of building a better community and a better Hong Kong together, the Government again appeals to members of the public to proactively participate in the election by casting their votes on the polling day for their preferred candidate to serve the community and the public."