The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 25) investigating a food poisoning cluster affecting 13 persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hyg… read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) today (January 25) said the blood inventories have been depleted to a very low level, with only two days of stock remaining. The BTS is allocating blood products based on the urgency level of each patient case’s requirement to ensure the emergency blood transfusion services remain unaffected. If the situation continues, clinical blood transfusion treatments could be affected. The BTS urgently appeals to donors to come forward for blood donation, gathering the strength of Hong Kong residents to promptly replenish the blood inventories.
The BTS is the only public institution providing blood to all hospitals, public and private, in Hong Kong. Six hundred and fifty units of blood is needed daily to meet the needs of all hospital across the city. Over the past month, the BTS collected an average of around 500 units of blood daily, with a shortfall of 150 units. In January 2025, the number of blood collection has dropped around 20 per cent as compared to the same period last year, with almost 3 000 units fewer. Due to the influenza season, many registered blood donors were unable to donate due to influenza infection. Additionally, the increase in citizens traveling abroad during the holidays has further reduced the willingness to donate blood, significantly impacting the overall number of blood donations.
As the service surge of public hospital kick-started, daily blood usage of hospitals increased by 10 per cent as compared to last year’s figure. With the shortfall in blood collection, the BTS is allocating blood products based on the urgency level of each patient case’s requirement to ensure emergency blood transfusions remain unaffected. The Chief Executive and Medical Director of the BTS, Dr Lee Cheuk-kwong said, “There’s a significant increase in the number of cases that require large amount of blood products this month. We have received 14 cases requiring a large amount of blood for transfusion and 247 units of blood were needed for the cases of lung transplant, liver transplant, post-partum hemorrhage, blood cancer, heart diseases and thalassemia major etc.”
Most BTS donor centres will open during the Chinese New Year (see Annex 1), and the public is welcome to make an appointment for donation. Members of the public aged between 16 and 65 (donation is possible up to the age of 75 if predetermined conditions are met), weighing 41 kilograms or above and in good health are eligible to give blood. The BTS reminds donors to make an appointment via the “HK Blood” mobile app, or by calling BTS donor centres. The “HK Blood” mobile app users will receive double points to redeem rewards for successful donation from now until January 28. For details, visit: www.ha.org.hk/rcbts.
As a token of appreciation, member of the public who donates successfully from January 29 to February 1 will receive a CAPTAIN BLOOD New Year Goodie Bag (see Annex 2), while stocks last. read more
​The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (January 25) strongly condemned those United States (US) lawmakers again requesting a review, through a so-called “bill”, of including a number of HKSARG officials, and a number of judges and prosecutors, in a so-called list of “sanctions” in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security, as well as the unfounded and biased remarks which deliberately misled the public and smeared the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL).
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including western countries such as the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Singapore, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. Turning a blind eye to the fact and making exaggerated remarks, the US politicians have demonstrated typical political hegemony and hypocrisy with double standards.”
“While the ‘black-clad violence’ and the Hong Kong version of ‘colour revolution’ back in 2019 severely damaged the social stability of Hong Kong, the implementation of the NSL in the past four years has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly resume as normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. In the Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report, Hong Kong ranks as the world’s freest economies among 165 economies. In the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, Hong Kong’s ranking improved by two places to fifth globally. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called ‘sanctions’ against the HKSAR personnel who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns their political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.
The spokesperson pointed out, “The HKSAR despises any so-called ‘sanctions’ and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”
The spokesperson also pointed out that, “Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The legal framework in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR is in line with relevant international human rights standards. The NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law.”
“The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all prosecution decisions made based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.
“The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the entities involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
“The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.”
The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’.” read more
Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Dr Starry Lee, inspected the passing-out parade for 37 probationary inspectors and 195 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (January 25) and witnessed the moment they became the new blood of the Force.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Dr Lee said that the duty of the police officers bears the trust of the community, adding that the graduates would officially become the guardians of Hong Kong’s rule of law and shoulder the mission of maintaining law and order in the community. She believed that being a police officer is not only a profession, but also a commitment and a dedication to the society.
She continued that the graduates had experienced multiple physical and mental challenges during the training, ranging from physical exercise to tactical training; as well as from legal knowledge to adaptability. Each of the course not only brings the improvement of skills, but also the development of tenacity, and such perseverance being developed would be attribute for their career development.
Noting that Hong Kong is an international metropolis with a complex and rapidly changing security landscape, Dr Lee believed that law enforcement officers should possess a high degree of professionalism and sound psychological quality. She added that the graduates would face different challenges, from dealing with emergencies to handling social conflicts; and from combating crimes to serving citizens, each of their duty is related to the safety of Hong Kong citizens and social stability. Meanwhile, the modus operandi of crimes has become more complicated, coupled with new challenges emerging from technology crime, online fraud and transnational crime. As such, she encouraged the graduates to keep pace with the times, and keep learning to be more professional and resilient in coping with various challenges ahead in their career.
She also pointed out that as part of the country, Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability hinges on the national development. She hoped that the graduates can uphold the spirit of patriotism and love the city, make every effort to safeguard national security and maintain the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
She emphasised that police are not only the law enforcers, but also the guardians of the citizens; and the Police’s professionalism, fairness and responsibility in serving the public are essential for gaining public support. Therefore, she hoped the police to uphold their integrity and honesty, and carry out every task cautiously at all time, so as to let the public feel the professionalism and care of the Force.
Finally, she encouraged the graduates to remain true to their original aspiration and take upholding social justice as their responsibility, thereby becoming the trusted guardians of the citizens and a driving force of the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 25): Reporter: Could you please recap in English the rescue work th… read more