Transcript of remarks by SFH at media session

     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.)