Youth Development Commission convenes 17th meeting
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the 17th meeting of the Youth Development Commission (YDC) today (November 28).
At the meeting, members were briefed by government representatives on initiatives relating to youth development in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address". Members support the Government's sustained efforts in promoting youth development, and were pleased to note that the Policy Address has introduced a series of measures to expand spaces and network for youths and strengthen the support for young people to develop their potential.
Apart from implementing at full steam the various youth initiatives in the Youth Development Blueprint (Blueprint), the Government is planning to set up different youth facilities to provide more physical spaces for young people, including a "Youth Post" hostel and spaces for culture, arts and sports exchange in the Kai Tak Community Isolation Facility, a physical platform for members of the Youth Link in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre, conversion of part of the Youth Square to establish a new interactive space and a video studio. Moreover, in order to support young people in their search of future direction, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will also launch a new round of the Funding Scheme for Youth Life Planning Activities to sponsor non-governmental organisations in providing enhanced support services with more content relating to national affairs.
Mr Chan said, "The new Policy Address demonstrates the Government's unwavering commitment to promoting youth development on a long-term and ongoing basis. The Government will continue to work closely with the YDC and bring together all sectors of society to take forward the various youth development measures stated in the Policy Address and the Blueprint, and create more opportunities for young people to thrive."
CHP investigates probable case of botulism
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 28) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.
The case involves a male patient aged 55 with a history of good health. According to the patient, he received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin at a friend's home on the Mainland on November 3. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the one who performed the injections. He presented with symptoms including double vision, drooping eyelids, dysphonia, problems with chewing and swallowing on November 17. He visited Hong Kong Adventist Hospital - Tsuen Wan on November 19 and was admitted the same day. He was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection and was discharged after treatment.
The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
"In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against thelist of registered doctorsof the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible," a spokesman for the DH said.
Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
The DH urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
If symptoms develop after injections, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.
The public may visit the DH's webpage on thedifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, theDrug Databaseof the Drug Office and the CHP'sbotulism pagefor more information.
