HK to establish SARS contingency fund

Hong Kong - The Hong Kong government was actively considering the setting up of a contingency fund to assist the families of deceased patients who died of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and patients who had recovered but might have long term effects, said a Hong Kong health care official here Saturday.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Yeoh Eng-kiong, said the aim of the contingency fund for public relief was to help those in genuine need. Funding approval of the Finance Committee has to be sought for setting up the fund.

Speaking on a local radio program this morning, Yeoh said the government was reviewing the mechanism to identify ways to better cater for the medical and psychological needs of recovered SARS patients and family members of the deceased.

I am discussing the matter with the Director of Social Welfare to see if a dedicated team would be better able to co-ordinate thesupport given to them," he said.

By better co-ordination and constant review on the ways of support, we can know better the areas that we need to strengthen and offer our assistance to those in need more systematically," Yeoh added.

He noted that the Social Welfare Department had been in contact with families of patients died of SARS with the objective of offering help and support and was still following up with many families. -- Xinhuanet

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