The Professional Commons, a think tank in Hong Kong formed by professionals from different sectors but concerned about public issues and governance, has long been concerned about the provision of quality healthcare for all citizens in Hong Kong, and the development of a sustainable but accessible model of healthcare in Hong Kong. We believe the development of the Electronic Health Record (eHR) System in Hong Kong, is a positive step in that direction.
We believe that the consultation paper has set forth a good starting point for the framework for eHR implementation. The development will well position Hong Kong as a model for territory-wide eHR, and create opportunities for the medical, ICT and other related sectors in Hong Kong.
We support in principle the key concepts and principles as stated in the consultation document. However, we are in particular concerned about the future governance model and transparency of the eHR office, or the body that will operate the system and regulate under the future related ordinance. In the consultation paper, the Government has stated that it “will take the lead in governing the operation of the eHR Sharing System,” we are concerned about the transparency and accountability of this administration, and would like to see more involvement from stakeholders, including the medical and ICT sectors, as well as civil society.
We believe healthcare ICT is a major area of present strength and future development opportunities for Hong Kong, and the successful implementation of the eHR Sharing System will go a long way to help enforce Hong Kong’s position in the region and the world.
We are also deeply concerned about the implementation of the proper level of personal data and privacy protection in the operation of the future eHR system, through legislation, guidelines and effective enforcement. We believe that more information needs to be provided and more detailed consultations are necessary concerning security and privacy safeguards, including the issues of data log, mandatory reporting of data breach, patient identification options, etc.
We look forward to further exchanges of views in future.
The Professional Commons