Happy New Year

It’s December.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

You will find a Christmas and New Year gift going with the HKMA News in this issue.   It is a diary and log book from the CME Committee tailor-made for doctors.  It contains useful information like hospital telephone numbers, and practical tips for safe practice from the Medical Protection Society.  Most importantly, there is a schedule of CME activities for family doctors for the upcoming year, featuring the newly introduced family medicine seminars on a Sunday of each month.  You will surely find these seminars very interesting and useful.  At the end of 2009, you will also find yourself one big step nearer to get a Certificate of Family Medicine.

It is tradition to review events of the past year.  The following are some major medically related events that come across my mind:

Dr. KWONG Kwok Hay v. the Medical Council of Hong Kong

On January 24, the Court of Appeal handed down the judgment and confirmed that some of the sections of the Code of Practice were against basic human rights.  This had great influence on the dissemination of information by doctors including advertising, and the investigation and inquiry for professional misconduct by the Medical Council.

Health Care Reform

On March 13, The Food & Health Bureau published a Healthcare Reform Consultation Document entitled “Your Health Your Life” to seek public views on the healthcare system and financing arrangements.  The first stage of public consultation ended on June 13.  The community generally agreed that increased resources should be best utilized to enhance healthcare services.  However, there were contentious and skeptical views about the supplementary financing options. 

Sichuan Earthquake

On May 12, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred at 14:28 in Sichuan province of China: the “Great Sichuan Earthquake”.  From official figures, 19,065 school children died, and there were more than 90,000 deaths or missing.  The Hong Kong Medical Association and the Hong Kong Medical Association Charitable Foundation Limited launched fundraising appeal without delay.  Many doctors of different specialties also volunteered to work at various sites.

2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events

Hong Kong was privileged to be a co-host city for the Beijing Olympics in August.   Led by the Director of Health, Dr. P Y Lam, who was also the Chief Medical Manager of the Equestrian Event, a 2000-strong medical professional team fully supported the events.  The medical team had set up contingency plans to deal with various emergencies like infectious disease outbreaks, poisoning, mass casualties and disasters.

2008 Legislative Council Election

On September 7, the election battle finally ended after months of campaigns and forums.  Dr. K L LEUNG was elected for Medical Function Constituency.  He received 2,217 votes for approximately 33%, defeating the other three nominees.

Melamine Scandal

On September 11, Mainland’s Sanlu brand of infant formula was found to be contaminated with melamine.  Screening reviewed over thousands of babies across the country who developed urinary problems after consuming tainted milk powder.   On September 20, the first case of renal disease associated with contaminated milk product was reported in Hong Kong.  On October 11 & 12, affiliates from the Hong Kong Medical Association visited Guangzhou and Jiangmen to examine the conditions and to study the management of children suffering from renal stones.

 

World Economic Turmoil

Starting with the federal takeover of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in early September, there were unfavourable occurrences all around the world.  Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy protection and the mini-bonds issued were affected.  Doctors themselves suffered financial loss and some might be emotionally disturbed.  At the same time, we need to look after patients and addressed effects from the economic turmoil.

Policy Address 2008-2009

The Policy Address 2008-2009 was delivered by our Chief Executive on October 15.   Under the heading of “Healthcare Reform”, there were four main categories: consultation, promoting the development of private healthcare, district medical facilities and enhancing primary care services.

Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme

On November 1, the Government launched the Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme.  This was the first implementation that the government roped in private doctors to help in prevention measures of the community.

Avian Influenza

On December 8, the Food and Health Bureau confirmed that up to 60 chickens died from H5N1 viral infection in one chicken farm in Yuen Long.  Again, we will have no chicken for New Year.   

My Big Ten might not go with yours.  Year 1 students might find their admission to the Medical School memorable.  2008 is the year for more than two hundred new housemen and new registered doctors.  Some doctors passed part or all of their fellowship examinations.  Some doctors got married.  Some gave birth to children.   And sadly, some of us had to separate with our beloved ones.

The biggest event for my signature bear is the co-organizing of the Certificate Course in Family Medicine with the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  The kick-off seminar will be held on January 18, 2009.  Your diary will also serve as a log book for recording your attendance of the family medicine core seminars together with other CME activities.

 (Source: HKMA News December 2008)