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The Hong Kong Poison Control Network, a multi-disciplinary set-up which enables experts to collaborate in tackling poison-related problems, was launched today (April 21) in an effort to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with poisoning in Hong Kong.
The network was jointly set up by the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with other government departments and academic institutions to enable relevant clinical and public health services to make concerted efforts in the prevention and control of poisoning.
Officiating at the Network's Inaugural Scientific Symposium today, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, said that collaboration among experts from various disciplines was essential to tackle poisoning as it was an inherent threat endangering people in all walks of life.
Dr Chow said the network demonstrated an excellent example of successful collaboration among the Government, the Hospital Authority and the academia.
The network consists of a co-ordinating committee, an Expert Panel and four functional units - the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre at the United Christian Hospital; the Poison Treatment Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital; the Toxicology Reference Laboratory at the Princess Margaret Hospital; and the Toxicovigilance Section of the Department of Health.
The main scope of service of the network includes the provision of poison information and consultative services to health care professionals; poison treatment services; tertiary level clinical toxicology laboratory services; toxicovigilance; risk communication; publicity and education; as well as professional training.
The Acting Director of Health, Dr TH Leung, who also officiated at the event, pointed out that poisoning caused an average of 400 to 600 deaths and the hospitalisation of 4,000 to 5,000 people in Hong Kong every year.
Dr Leung said the network was part of the Government's proactive and co-ordinated approach in poison prevention and control.
"We will evaluate the effectiveness of the services and consider, where necessary, additional control strategies taking into account operational experience," he said.
Statistics compiled by the Accident and Emergency Departments of the six major public hospitals showed that among all poisoning cases handled by these hospitals, 77% were related to drug poisoning (Western and Chinese medicines), 6% by household products, 7% by alcohol, 4% by bites and envenomations and 1% by environmental chemicals.
The Network Inaugural Scientific Symposium, featuring the recent advances in poison control, was attended by more than 200 professionals from the medical and public health fields. Speakers included local, mainland and overseas experts.
Ends/Saturday, April 21, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:59
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