Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority publishes 2023 Annual Report
The Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (PRP) published its 2023 Annual Report today (November 15), covering its work from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023.
The PRP Chairman, Mr Eugene Fung, SC, said, "Same as last year, the PRP reviewed in detail 30 cases relating to the core regulatory activities of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA). The PRP made a number of observations and recommendations to the MPFA on further enhancing its public accountability for the betterment of the MPF regulatory regime."
He added, "We are thankful to the outgoing members, Miss Grace Chan and Dr James Lin, for their valuable and constructive advice during their six-year term of service as members of the PRP."
The 2023 Annual Report has been uploaded to the website of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau atwww.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/business/prp/doc/prp_mpfa_2023_e.pdf.
The PRP welcomes views of the public and market participants on its work. Comments may be sent to the PRP via email at prpmpf@fstb.gov.hk.
CHP announces one new confirmed melioidosis infection case over past week
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (November 15) said that one new confirmed melioidosis infection case had been recorded in the past week (November 8 to 14).
The case involves an 80-year-old male with underlying illnesses who lives in Kwun Tong. He developed a fever and cough on October 30 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital from November 2 to 5. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital again on November 7 after his clinical samples were confirmed positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. The patient is in stable condition.
The CHP is investigating the infection source of the case. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. So far, 22 melioidosis infection cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2023, 17 melioidosis infection cases were recorded.
A spokesman for the CHP reiterated that person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but melioidosis bacteria can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year. According to literature, infection cases are more common after typhoons or storms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei of melioidosis in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or storms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or storms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.
The CHP reminded members of the public that melioidosis can be spread by contaminated soil and water during and after typhoons and storms. Where practicable, people should stay indoors during typhoons and storms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.
Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover any cuts or grazes with waterproof dressings;
Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.
The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromised conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP atwww.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.
