A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening
co-operation and exchanges in health and medical areas between the
Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) was signed in Hong Kong Friday.
The MOU was signed by visiting Chinese Minister of Health Gao
Qiang and Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food of the HKSAR
government York Chow.
Under the MOU, the two sides agreed to foster co-operation in
various areas including strengthening the flow of health and
medical information as well as the notification and contingency
co-operation system on infectious disease outbreaks and public
health emergencies.
In addition, the two sides would encourage medical and health
professional groups and relevant institutions in the mainland and
Hong Kong to share experience through seminars and training
programs.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chow said that close
co-operation between the health authorities of the mainland and
Hong Kong was vital in meeting the numerous new challenges in
public health.
"The signing of the MOU today marks a major milestone in public
health development and medical co-operation between the Ministry of
Health and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau of the HKSAR
government," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2007)