The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     â€‹The 18 Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) are established and operated under tripartite collaboration model involving the Hospital Authority (HA), non-governmental organisations and local universities. Following the direction of 2022 Policy Address, CMCTRs have completed the preparation to increase the quota of Government subsidised Chinese Medicine (CM) services in 2023. From October 1, the annual quota will be increased to 800 000, which is a 30 per cent increase in service capacity as compared with that of last year.

     Since March 2020, CMCTRs have been providing Government subsidised CM services on treatment-related CM general consultation (with maximum five doses of prescribed medication), acupuncture service and bone-setting/tui-na treatments (available in some CMCTRs) to eligible Hong Kong residents. Each type of service is charged at $120 per visit and the fees are waived for recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and the Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above. Besides the Government subsidised services, 18 CMCTRs also provide non-subsidised CM services as alternative options for patients.

     The HA spokesman said, "With the increase in quota of Government subsidised CM services, we expect to enhance the role of CM in primary healthcare and to benefit more patients, while also in response to the service demand call from patient. Patients with episodic diseases can call the 18 CMCTRs or use the mobile application "18 CM Clinics" to make an appointment for Government subsidised CM services for episodic diseases on the same day or the next working day. If patients have ever registered for services in any of the 18 CMCTRs before, they can use "18 CM Clinics" mobile application to check and book episodic appointment."

     The HA has all along been supporting the Government on CM development. Through 18 CMCTRs, the HA will continue to provide CM services and promote Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine service, while also to nourish CM expertise through professional training and research development.

     "18 CM Clinics" supports mobile devices with operating system versions iOS 12.0 or above and Android 6.0 or above and can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Members of the public can visit the HA CMK website (cmk.ha.org.hk/18cmclinics_eng) for more information.

     For addresses and telephone numbers of 18 CMCTRs, please visit the HA CMK website: (cmk.ha.org.hk/index).

     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (September 30) officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the Youth Link, witnessing the establishment of a new youth network initiated by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) together with a group of young people.
      
     The Government attaches great importance to youth development. The HYAB published the Youth Development Blueprint in December last year, and building the youth network is one of its key initiatives. The name of "Youth Link" highlighted the Government's aspiration to connect young people together, and to provide them with extensive opportunities to develop their talents and serve the community. The Youth Link aims to engage a group of young people who are energetic, diversified, competitive and are dedicated to contribute to community building, which in the long run can create a young talent pool for Hong Kong.
      
     Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said that the HYAB will provide members of the Youth Link with training and activities that cater for their development needs, as well as opportunities to participate in public affairs. These include public policy exchange sessions, study tours to the Mainland and overseas, opportunities to take part in various large-scale government activities, with a view to supporting young people in developing diverse talents and contributing to society, and at the same time strengthening their communication, interaction and mutual trust with the Government.
      
     Target participants of the Youth Link are young people aged 12 to 39. In the start-up stage, the Youth Link has recruited nearly 5 000 youths, who have participated in youth development programmes organised or funded by the HYAB and 18 District Offices. The recruitment will gradually expand to youth development programmes run by other government departments.
      
     Other officiating guests included the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; and the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission, Mr Kenneth Leung. Representatives of district youth networks also attended the event.
      
     After the kick-off ceremony, Miss Mak visited the Youth Programmes Highlights cum Entrepreneur Bazaar organised by the HYAB at the same venue. In addition to introducing youth development programmes, the bazaar also showcased products by local youth entrepreneurial teams, such as creative handicrafts and environmentally friendly and natural products.

            

Attention radio/TV announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following at suitable intervals:
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) reminds people to keep places clean, not to burn wax or put lit candles on the ground, grass pitches or beaches, not to throw glow sticks or other objects onto trees, and not to fly sky lanterns while celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
 
     People littering at LCSD venues such as parks, beaches and barbecue sites are liable to a penalty of $1,500, while the maximum penalty for burning wax, throwing objects onto trees or flying sky lanterns is a fine of $2,000 and 14 days' imprisonment. 

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (September 30) appealed to members of the public to keep places clean and mind their safety while watching the National Day Fireworks Display on October 1.

     The LCSD, together with the law enforcement teams of other relevant departments, will strengthen patrols at LCSD venues where large crowds are expected. Measures will be stepped up to tackle littering, illegal hawking and vandalism.

     These venues include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Urban Council Centenary Garden, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park, Kai Tak Sky Garden along the Kowloon waterfront, as well as Tamar Park, the Central and Western District Promenade – Central Section, the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and East Coast Park (Phase 1) on the waterfront of Hong Kong Island.

     A spokesman for the LCSD urged members of the public to take their belongings with them when leaving the venues and not to leave trash behind.

     He said that littering offenders will be subject to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Publicity materials reminding members of the public to keep places clean will be displayed at the venues while additional cleaning staff and security guards will also be deployed.

     The spokesman also reminded people that the above venues will be very crowded during the fireworks display. Visitors are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take special care of their safety. They should pay attention to crowd management measures and take heed of police instructions, he added.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 30) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Clear Water Bay First Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.