Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow has expressed concern to the Medical Council over practice promotion by doctors.
Dr Chow today said while respecting the council's autonomy he hopes it will balance public interest carefully and review and amend its code of practice, particularly in relation to dissemination of practice information, as soon as possible so it can better meet public expectations.
"This is to ensure the public can obtain accurate health and medical information from their doctors. At the same time the provision of inaccurate or misleading personal promotion and information by the profession should be avoided."
He said the council should also define more clearly the professional relationship and responsibilities between doctors and other health or commercial organisations to provide better guidance for the profession.
"I hope the medical profession will keep up their high ethical and professional standards and exercise self-discipline, and work together to protect the interest of patients and safeguard the rights of the public in obtaining accurate health information."
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