Press Releases

SFH on appointment of USFH and drinking alcohol while doing sport

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after visiting Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital this afternoon (August 1):

Reporter: … the appointment of Dr Chui (Tak-yi) as your Under Secretary. Just now you are saying that Dr Chui has much experience in working with elderly healthcare. Does that mean that the Government may focus on elderly healthcare in the coming five years?

Secretary for Food and Health: Today, the Chief Executive's Office has announced the appointment of Under Secretaries and Political Assistants. Dr T Y Chui is being appointed as the Under Secretary for Food and Health. Dr Chui has vast experience both in clinical as well as management aspects. He is currently the Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon East Cluster. In his past experience, he did not only work in the United Christian Hospital, but also worked in the Haven of Hope Hospital. His experience in working with elderly and also with hospital care and the community would be very helpful in assisting me pushing forward our policies. Regarding elderly care, obviously with the ageing population and non-communicable diseases, in the coming five years, there will be strengthened (measures) not only in the existing system in terms of secondary and tertiary healthcare but also in primary healthcare. It is important that we try to strengthen community care so that people would not be re-admitted to hospital too frequently.

Reporter: On beer and running, the organiser said this morning that they are not going to change any arrangement for the beer run, meaning that they would give out beer to the attendees. What do you think of that?

Secretary for Food and Health: I think it is important for the public to understand that drinking alcohol while doing sports is not recommended. The Department of Health has already sent an advice letter to the organiser to state the harm of drinking alcohol especially while during doing exercise. Therefore, I appeal to the public that this is very important that it is not recommended to drink alcohol while doing sport.

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

Ends/Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:47
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