A bill amending the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance to make malignant mesothelioma compensable will be tabled at the Legislative Council January 30. The amendment will be gazetted January 11.

The Labour Department said today the proposed amendments will subject the disease's sufferers to the same eligibility criteria and pay them the same benefits as those who suffer from pneumoconiosis, an occupational lung disease caused by inhaling dust.

Coverage provided to sufferers includes compensation for incapacity, incapacity prior to date of diagnosis, pain, suffering and loss of amenities, constant attention, payment of medical and appliances expenses, death, bereavement and funeral fees.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancerous form of tumour which has a strong association with occupational exposure to asbestos. Under the existing law pneumoconiosis is defined as fibrosis of the lungs due to exposure to asbestos or silica dust.

The department said as malignant mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis share a common cause and some common characteristics, it is reasonable to provide compensation and benefits to sufferers of both diseases using the same funding source.

The current compensation scheme is financed by a levy on the construction and quarrying industries. To reflect the proposed extension, the title of Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance will also be revised.