To seek more professional advice on SARS treatment, a number of Mainland and overseas medical experts have been invited to visit Hong Kong.

Responding to a question from Emily Lau in the Legislative Council today, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said the Hospital Authority has invited two experts from the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine to come to Hong Kong.

Having significant experience and expertise in treating SARS patients using an integrated Chinese and Western medicine approach, both experts have arrived since May 3 and have been exchanging views with local clinicians on SARS treatment.

The Government expects that the total cost for the coming three months will be within $500,000.

It comprises consultancy fees, drug costs and miscellaneous expenses related to research and clinical activities.

Apart from getting help from Mainland experts, Dr Meirion Evans of University of Wales College of Medicine, was also invited to Hong Kong to offer advice on the current virus-control measures.

A member of the World Health Organisation expert team, Dr Evans stayed in Hong Kong May 1 to 4.

Dr Yeoh said some world-class medical experts from the US were invited by the University of Hong Kong to offer advice.