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          2002-2003 is not exactly a good year : Hong Kong, like the rest of the world, has to brace the financial crisis and suffer from the economic downturn. And as if this is not enough, SARS struck, bringing Hong Kong to an almost standstill.

           Our profession, like a microcosm within a battered macrosm, cannot escape. Our educational programme and scientific seminar were either not organized or cancelled. Training programmes for our trainers were disrupted as many were dispatched to work in SARS wards hampering their training and had to have their extended. Many of our ranks were struck down by the disease. Tragedy belove us when some 8 members in the health care professions forego their lives to save others. They are our permanent heroes.

           Yet our profession fought on and preserved. The different professional bodies did their utmost to maintain adequate quality CME program. Our doctors worked selflessly to combat the disease, discovered the virus, planned treatment and diagnostic protocols and along the way produce world class clinical and academic papers to the applause and praises of the world. Our efforts bore fruits as SARS was controlled as quickly and as fast as it appeared.

           Yet the aftermaths of SARS is far from over. The HA have to face the challenge of getting prepared for another crisis. Our frontline have to recover loss ground, work left undone or unfinished at the height of SARS. Regrettably many of us who did whatever we could facing a crisis unknown and of such magnitude now have to face the ordeal of numerous investigations some aiming for witch hunting rather than to bring about improvement.

           Facing all these and the expected financial cut to public medical services, the HA will have to as expected reprioritize our services so as to ensure that the government subvention is used on those who its needs it most.

           It is perhaps time to embarked on some workable private and public cooperation and interphase both in training and in service. We need action, not words.

           Take cardiology as an example. Thoughts are their whilst most trainees would be provided and thus supported by HA, there is no reason why private institutions could not provide a few, and some private hospitals are willing to contribute. The total number of cardiology trainees will rotate between the private and the public institutions all under the scrutiny and the recognition of the College of Cardiology. Better training and more trainees are therefore in the offer.

           Repriorization of work in HA would invariably means that major infections, crisis, issues of life and death will have to be dealt with first whilst less urgent cases and schedule surgery will have to be put on a longer waiting list. Many in the waiting list might be able afford private services why they are sure that the charges are within their means and within an affordable package. But would the private sector be willing to come up with this package within the common public’s means.

           Hong Kong has existed amicably with a parallel health care system – private and public – it is time to build on this system further and improve on it to ensure a sustainable health care for the future.

           Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, the affluence of Hong Kong has unfortunately brought on more heart diseases problems. Many need fairly early treatment that could be brought about by better private public collaboration. Your fellows and the College can and are the best partner with HA to bring this about.

           Finally my congratulate once again to the College in bringing with fruition this seminar. I wish you are a successful meeting.