CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade
The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade at the CAS headquarters today (August 25). The parade was reviewed by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung.
Click to Gallery
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
A total of 34 officer trainees and 53 recruits participated in the Parade. The graduates came from diverse backgrounds, including tertiary students and members of the disciplined services, education, social welfare, and medical sectors. They will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.
Mr Yeung presented awards to outstanding officer trainees and recruits. The graduates also performed a rescue demonstration to showcase their learning results.
Speaking at the Parade, Mr Yeung said that the CAS has been working closely with the Fire Services Department (FSD) over the years. Not only have the CAS been sending their members to attend trainings organised by the FSD, but they have also actively participated in inter-departmental rescue operation exercises and public education activities.
Mr Yeung also mentioned that loving the country and Hong Kong is a core value of the city's society and an essential foundation for the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. He added that the graduates' strong commitment to serving Hong Kong forms an indispensable part of the efforts to maintain the city's prosperity and stability, safeguard national security and uphold the "one country, two systems" principle. He encouraged all graduates to learn from their experiences, face challenges with determination, stay true to their original aspirations, and strive forward. He said he firmly believes that they will unite, work hard, and grow stronger together, upholding the CAS pledge of "Provide Emergency Relief, Serve the Community" to wholeheartedly serve the public.
The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence).
Recruitment of CAS Grade IV Officers and Grade I Members open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk).
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CAS holds 88th Recruits Passing-out Parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two more new drugs approved under "1+" mechanism
A Governmentspokesmanannounced today that two more new drugs submitted for registration under the new drug approval mechanism ("1+" mechanism) announced in the Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address have been approved for registration in Hong Kong. These new oral drugs in two different dosages are used to treat hypercalcaemia in patients with parathyroid carcinoma and in certain patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, bringing more treatment options for patients.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has implemented the "1+" mechanism since November 1, 2023. Under the "1+" mechanism, new drugs used for treatment of life-threatening or severely debilitating diseases that are supported with local clinical data are only required to submit approval from a drug regulatory authority in one of the reference places (instead of two originally) and be recognised by local experts to be registered in Hong Kong.
The above products for hypercalcaemia have been approved by the drug regulatory authority in Japan and submitted for registration application in Hong Kong under the "1+" mechanism. Having considered the clinical data submitted by the applicant and advices given by local expert, the Registration Committee under the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong considered that the new drugs satisfied the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality, and approved the registration of the new drugs. The Department of Health (DH) has already notified the applicant of the result of the application. The HKSAR Government will also complete the relevant registration processes in accordance with established procedures.
The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address announced that the Government will leverage the medical strengths of the HKSAR with the long-term objective of establishing an authority that registers drugs and medical devices (medical products) under the "primary evaluation" approach, i.e. to directly approve applications for registration of medical products in Hong Kong based on clinical trial data, without relying on registration approval from other drug regulatory authorities. This will help accelerate the clinical use of new drugs and medical devices, and foster the development of industries relating to the research and development and clinical trials of medical products, developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovative hub.
Since the implementation of the "1+" mechanism, two new drug applications for treating metastatic colorectal cancer and one for treating paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria were approved under the "1+" mechanism in December 2023 and July 2024 respectively. The first two new drugs approved under the "1+" mechanism for treating metastatic colorectal cancer have been listed under the category of "Special Drug" on the Hospital Authority (HA) Drug Formulary. Patients prescribed these two drugs under specified clinical applications are only required to pay standard fees and charges, which are substantially subsidised, greatly alleviating their financial burden. It is estimated that around 300 patients will benefit every year. The HA will encourage drug manufacturers or suppliers to apply for local registration of unregistered drugs with ongoing needs and continue to liaise closely with the DH regarding the "1+" mechanism.
At the same time, the DH has been promoting the "1+" mechanism through different channels, and has received over 250 enquiries involving more than 70 pharmaceutical companies. More companies have expressed interest in applying for registration under the "1+" mechanism.While the "1+" mechanism brings good drugs for use in Hong Kong, the requirements of local clinical data and recognition by relevant expert for application for registration (the "+" under the "1+" mechanism) will ensure all the pharmaceutical products approved for registration have fulfilled the stringent requirements of safety, efficacy and quality. It will also strengthen the local capacity of drug evaluation and enhance the development of relevant software, hardware and expertise.
Source: AI-generated images
