Press Releases

SFH on supply of powdered formula and vaccination programmes

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending a public function this morning (November 21):

Reporter: (About the report on the stress test on the supply of infant formula.)

Secretary for Food and Health: Under the steer of the Committee on Supply Chain of Powdered Formula and with the assistance of a consultant company, we conducted a stress test covering the period before (and after) the Golden Week in early October. The report was yesterday tabled to the committee, which consists of representatives from the relevant industry, the retail business and consumers. In the nutshell, there were still inadequacies in our supply chain of formula milk. (Members of) the committee agree to work continuously to improve the supply chain.

Reporter: There are allegations that local parents still could not get infant formula. How will the Government work with the retail sector to help these parents?

Secretary for Food and Health: The Government is concerned about reports that there is still a shortage of powdered formula supply in the market even outside the Golden Week. In this regard, the committee has agreed to continue its work to improve the supply arrangement at the retail end.

Reporter: (On the supply of powdered formula.)

Secretary for Food and Health: It will be (a piece of) continuous work for the committee.

Reporter: A 3-year old boy has died of pneumococcal infection. Now the Hong Kong Medical Association says that the Government should extend its free vaccination programme to cover children up to 3 years old. Would you consider that?

Secretary for Food and Health: The Government is under the advice of an expert committee on vaccination programmes. Any matter related to the application of vaccination programmes in the prevention of infectious diseases will be considered by this expert committee.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, November 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:50

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