DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, discussed the '1+' mechanism for drug registration and approval, highlighting its success with five new drug approvals since its implementation in November last year. The mechanism will be expanded to cover all new drugs starting this November, aiming to benefit patients in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area by providing access to advanced therapies and lowering treatment costs. The Secretary also mentioned the comprehensive review of the Hospital Authority's measures, with results to be announced soon.

Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, discusses the '1+' mechanism for drug registration and approval, highlighting its benefits for patients and pharmaceutical companies. Mister Donut debuts in Hong Kong, with plans to expand to nine stores by 2027.

INMO reports over 100,000 patients treated without beds in 2024, with University Hospital Limerick most overcrowded. The union blames HSE's recruitment strategy for unsafe staffing levels, leading to industrial action ballots.

Over 100,000 patients have waited on trolleys in Irish hospitals in 2024, with University Hospital Limerick leading at 18,944. The INMO is considering industrial action due to recruitment issues, as staff face unsafe working conditions and overburdened environments.

Gauteng's central hospitals, operating beyond capacity, face high cancer care burden and receive referrals from other provinces and foreign nationals, straining resources. The Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee highlights outdated human resource planning and infrastructure needs, urging fast-tracking of revised staffing plans and monitoring new oncology facility construction to improve service delivery.

Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee assessed oncology services in Gauteng, finding challenges in infrastructure, human resources, and financial strain due to high patient load and foreign nationals. The Committee urges fast-tracking staffing plans and monitoring infrastructure projects, appreciating healthcare professionals' dedication.

John Lee announced a comprehensive healthcare system review, focusing on reforming Hospital Authority, Department of Health, and Primary Healthcare Commission functions, strengthening health promotion, and improving public and private healthcare services. Key measures include primary healthcare development, enhancing HA services, establishing a third medical school, promoting Chinese medicine, and advancing mental health initiatives.

INMO ballots members for industrial action due to unsafe staffing levels, with many nursing posts left vacant. The HSE's recruitment strategy is criticized for creating high-risk situations for patients and compromising nurse safety. Protests have occurred since October 3, with unions blaming recruitment restrictions for straining patient services. The HSE reports a 20,000 increase in staff, including 9,375 additional nurses and midwives.