Warm welcome: Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow greets Vice-Minister of Health and Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Healthcare Leading Group Head Dr Chen Xiaohong.

The Government will do its best to safeguard food safety, provide quality medical services and prepare for the prevention and control of infectious diseases during the Olympic Equestrian Events, Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says.

He met Vice-Minister of Health and Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) Healthcare Leading Group Head Dr Chen Xiaohong, BOCOG Games Services Deputy Director Dr Dai Jianping and other Ministry of Health officials today and updated them on Hong Kong's preparedness for the equestrian events.

To ensure food safety, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department collaborates with the Department of Health in forming procedures for handling food poisoning. The number of standby staff will also be raised so swift and prompt actions can be taken in case of any food incidents while the department will be vigilant against food-borne diseases.

Chief medic named

Director of Health Dr Lam Ping-yan has been appointed the events' Chief Medical Manager. He will be responsible for co-ordinating public health related matters such as drug imports, medical services, infectious disease surveillance and emergency response plans.

During the competition and training period, the Hospital Authority will field medical teams to the equestrian venues in Sha Tin and Beas River. The Prince of Wales Hospital will be designated the equestrian event hospital, while North District Hospital be used as a back-up facility for any emergencies at Beas River. Queen Elizabeth Hospital will offer medical services to non-athletes.

Mechanisms and contingency measures have also been put in place to deal with public health and medical emergencies during the equestrian events.

Well prepared

Dr Chen said Hong Kong is well prepared to provide support services such as public health, medical services and food safety, up to the Olympics standard.

"Hong Kong is experienced in hosting large-scale events. With the advent of the equestrian events, I hope the Mainland and Hong Kong will enhance exchanges, especially in information flow, and learn from each other with a view to carrying out the work in the best way," he said.

Dr Dai was satisfied with the medical services contingency plans for the events. He said BOCOG will maintain close ties with Department of Health and the medical teams to facilitate the events' smooth run.