Policy Address

Strengthening Training of Medical Personnel

32.        On software, we will continue to step up the training of medical personnel, and encourage the development and pooling of talent. In the 2009-10 academic year, we have provided 70 additional places for medical degree programmes, as well as 40 and 50 additional places respectively for nursing programmes at degree and sub-degree levels. We will provide 60 additional senior year places for degree programmes on nursing in the 2010-11 academic year. Furthermore, with a view to strengthening the supply and professional training of nurses, the Hospital Authority (HA) has re-opened some of its nursing schools and provided 200 and 350 additional training places for Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses respectively in 2009-10. At present, the HA is providing training subsidies to more than 350 nurses each year to take conversion courses.

Development of Chinese Medicine

33.        To facilitate the development of Chinese medicine, the Government will expedite the setting of standards for Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in Hong Kong. We aim to extend our coverage from the current 60 herbal medicines to about 200 by 2012. To enhance our capability to test Chinese medicines, we will assist and promote the establishment of testing laboratories in the local market. We will further consider allowing more renowned Chinese medicine practitioners from the Mainland to join clinical teaching and research programmes in Hong Kong so as to make Hong Kong a stage for promoting Chinese medicine to the world.

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