Secretary for Health deeply concerned about management of public healthcare system

Health bureau calls for major reforms in public hospitals to ensure patient safety and well-being amid recent incidents

The Health Bureau (HHB) is deeply concerned about the multiple recent incidents in relation to caring procedures for patients and operation of equipment occurred in public hospitals. The HHB is of the view that such incidents reflect the dire need for improving the management of public healthcare system to ensure medical safety and the well-being of patients.

The HHB instructed the Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 21) to conduct a comprehensive review of the systemic issues and the need for reform with regard to the management of public hospitals while reviewing the causes of individual incidents and taking relevant improvement measures in a proactive manner. The HA is required to submit a report together with recommendations to the HHB within three months.

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, "Patients' safety should at all times be accorded the topmost priority in the healthcare system. In the light of the multiple recent incidents related to healthcare services of public hospitals, I have written to the Chairman of the HA to express serious concern, task the HA to follow up on the relevant incidents expeditiously, and instruct the HA to initiate with utmost intent a comprehensive and independent review regarding the associated systemic issues of public hospitals, including the monitoring mechanism for compliance with medical procedures, staff appraisal and accountability of the management, internal risk management systems, contingency response as well as arrangements of communication and announcements. I have demanded the HA to complete the review and submit a report covering recommendations on corresponding enhancement measures within three months. Subject to HA's report, the HHB will carefully examine HA's system and the need for reform.

"The HA is required to take every measure to ensure that patients of public hospitals receive the most optimal medical care, prevent the occurrence of medical and equipment incidents, and minimise the risks posed to patients and staff, with a view to maintaining the healthcare quality in Hong Kong and upholding public confidence in the public healthcare system."

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Estate agent jailed for contravening residential properties ordinance: srpa considers appeal over fraudulent misrepresentations in first-hand sales

An estate agent who contravened the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance was convicted of one count of offence today (June 27) at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts and was sentenced to seven weeks' immediate imprisonment, according to a spokesman of the Sales of First-hand Residential Properties Authority (SRPA).

The SRPA respects the ruling of the court and, given the gravity of the offence, will consider whether to lodge an appeal against the sentence after studying the judgment in detail and seeking legal advice.

The estate agent made fraudulent or reckless misrepresentations on April 5, 2021, for the purpose of inducing another person to purchase a specified residential property in a first-hand residential development phase.

This is the first time the SRPA has initiated prosecution under section 76 of the Ordinance against an estate agent for making fraudulent or reckless misrepresentations regarding mortgage terms offered by a developer.

The SRPA spokesman said that two estate agents have been convicted since the Ordinance came into force on April 29, 2013. The SRPA reminds estate agents not to make false, misleading or deceptive statements when selling first-hand residential properties. To avoid contravening the law inadvertently, estate agents should learn more about the Ordinance, provide correct information to prospective purchasers and comply with good selling practices.

The SRPA also advises prospective purchasers to be vigilant about information provided by others. Prospective purchasers should study carefully the terms of payment as set out on a price list. If there are discounts on the price, gifts, or any financial advantages or benefits to be made available by the vendor, such information will also be set out on the price list. Prospective purchasers should check with vendors or financial companies designated by vendorsdirectly if they have any doubts about the information provided by others on mortgage loan plans.

Details of the case have been uploaded to the SRPA website at www.srpa.gov.hk/en/prosecution-cases.html for public inspection.

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