Policy Address

Strengthen Professional Regulation of Healthcare Services

233. The Government will strengthen the functions of the DH in regulating healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals. It will consult the LegCo in the first half of next year on the implementation of the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance to prohibit unauthorised premises from using certain titles or descriptions. It will also step up law enforcement against unlicensed persons.

Mental Health

234. Through a strategy of identification, intervention and treatment, the Government places great importance on the public's mental health and has introduced a Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism. We also place equal emphasis to prevention, which involves building families, friendships and interpersonal networks; focusing on the development of interests and personality; and creating supportive environments in schools and workplaces. All these initiatives require joint efforts, bringing together the Government, the community and families, as well as professional support and treatment when needed. The Government will enhance nine measures in the following aspects:

  1. Regularise the three-tier emergency mechanism in secondary schools and extend it on a trial basis to Primary Four to Six students to strengthen support for those in need.

  2. Utilise the Dedicated Fund for subvented welfare service organisations, providing training to enhance school social workers' capabilities in handling students' mental health issues.

  3. Step up the promotion of mental health in the community through the 4Rs Mental Health Charter16 in primary and secondary schools and the Mental Health Workplace Charter17, encouraging more school staff to receive training related to mental health first aid. A "special recognition category" will be introduced to commend schools and organisations that arrange a specific number of staff members to receive mental health training (e.g. mental health first aid).

  4. Launch the Pilot Programme on Training for Mental Health Promotion Ambassador to mobilise and train mental health promotion ambassadors to promote healthy lifestyles, foster resilience and establish care support networks.

Remark 16: The "4Rs" in the 4Rs Mental Health Charter cover four elements and objectives for promoting mental health, which include

  1. Rest: Help students cultivate healthy habits from an early age including having enough rest, adequate sleep and leisure activities.

  2. Relaxation: Teach students to take the time to relax, take care of their mental health and practise self-compassion.

  3. Relationship: Strengthen the relationships among students, teachers and students, as well as parents and children, so as to enhance their sense of connectedness; help students understand their roles and their importance in these relationships, so as to willingly take on responsibilities and make contributions.

  4. Resilience: Equip students to adapt to the inevitable stress and setbacks in life, and teach students to deal with emotions, cope with stress and overcome difficulties with a positive attitude.

Remark 17: As part of the "Shall We Talk" initiative on mental health promotion and public education, the Mental Health Workplace Charter aims to promote mental health in workplace, objectives include to promote mental well-being at workplace including a respectful and positive environment; promote active listening and communication, encourage help-seeking, and facilitate early identification of mental distress and timely treatment; and create an inclusive and friendly workplace environment for colleagues with mental distress.