2020.02.13
We urge the government to allow Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners to join the fight against covid-19 and provide a special subsidy for much-creditable healthcare staff.
DAB Legislative Councillors Ben Chan, Starry Lee and Vincent Cheng met with the Under Secretary for Food and Health (FHB) Dr. Chui Tak-Yi and set out two proposals for the FHB: to allow Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners to join the fight against covid-19, and provide a special subsidy for much-creditable healthcare staff as a reward and encouragement.
Hong Kong is currently facing with both new novel coronavirus and influenza. The situation is very difficult and the government should adopt a multi-pronged approach for prevention work. We urge the government to mobilize all medical professionals to deal with the virus, that means to quickly coordinate qualified TCM practitioners to work on a Chinese and Western medicine co-op platform, share the burden of fighting the virus and ease the pressure placed on the medical system.
Currently, many people are confined in government quarantine centres and their medical conditions are concerned. We propose allowing qualified TCM practitioners to provide outreach consultation services in order to monitor their health condition and help them strengthen their immune systems to fight off the virus.
On the other hand, many healthcare staff stood firm, stayed on the front line and endured unnecessary pressure during a handful of healthcare staff went on strike. We urge the government to reward their devotion and dedication to the society by providing a special subsidy to them.
The DAB expressed once again our greatest respect for those front-line healthcare staff keeping to their post during this difficult time.
Media inquiries:
DAB Legislative Councilor and spokesperson on health Ben Chan (9274 7035)
DAB Chairperson and Legislative Councilor Starry Lee (7770 0820)
DAB Legislative Councilor and spokesperson on employment Vincent Cheng (6373 1979)