Page 9 - HA Convention 2016 [Full Version]

Message from HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2016
Secretary for Food and Health

The Government of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Hospital Authority on hosting the Hospital Authority

Convention 2016. A quarter of a century ago, the establishment of the Hospital Authority marked a new era
of healthcare system reform in Hong Kong. As the major service provider of public healthcare service and
an indispensable partner of the Government in the implementation of health policy initiatives, the Hospital
Authority is instrumental in the protection and promotion of the well-being of Hong Kong people.
Hong Kong’s healthcare system is highly regarded around the world. Its well-deserved reputation for
excellence is undoubtedly the result of the dedication, passion and hard work of our healthcare practitioners,
academics and administrators.
Similar to other advanced economies, Hong Kong is facing numerous issues such as an ageing population,
more sedentary lifestyles and increasing cost of providing hospital care which give rise to challenges on
our public healthcare system. As we strive to uphold the quality of our public healthcare services, the
Government has conducted the first comprehensive review of the Hospital Authority since its establishment.
With the implementation of recommendations of the review such as refining the delineation of cluster
boundary and resource allocation model, the waiting time of patients will be shortened and the Hospital
Authority will be better prepared for the challenges ahead.
In bringing together local and international healthcare experts, the Hospital Authority Convention offers
an excellent opportunity to expand the professional connections and intersector ties that will lead to
advances in medical knowledge and techniques. It also provides a prominent platform from which medical
professionals in Hong Kong can share their expertise with a wider audience and play a part in helping to
improve the health of populations in countries around the world.
May I wish the Hospital Authority Convention this year a huge success and all participants bring home great
inspiration. I look forward to the progress in the delivery of healthcare service in Hong Kong that will certainly
arise from this important event.

Dr KO Wing-man

Secretary for Food and Health
Food and Health Bureau
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

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