A PRELIMINARY report on the HIV infection of haemophiliacs through the use of blood products is expected to be released in two months, Director of Health Dr Lee Shiu-hung revealed yesterday.
In reviewing the department's past year performance, Dr Lee said the public could submit its opinions to a newly-formed ad hoc group on the issue commissioned by the Government.
He welcomed professional bodies and interested groups including the Hongkong Haemophiliac Association to put forward their views and proposals.
The move follows the launch of a campaign by the Sunday Morning Post seeking compensation for 61 haemophiliacs, including 26 children, who were infected with HIV through blood transfusions or the use of blood products before screening was introduced in 1985.
Dr Lee, however, declined to comment on the current debates on compensation.
After studying the final report from the ad hoc group, the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Elizabeth Wong Chien Chi-lien, will seek suggestions from the Advisory Council on AIDS to see if changes were necessary.
The major tasks of the ad hoc group include: Establishing the facts regarding treatment of blood products in Hongkong in relation to the prevention of HIV transmission at that time; Examining the adequacy of such treatment, having regard to internationally accepted standards at the time; Assessing the extent to which haemophiliacs in Hongkong have been infected by HIV through transfusion of such contaminated products and identify the source of such infection; And making recommendations to the Secretary for Health and Welfare for the assistance of haemophiliacs who contracted HIV through the use of blood products in Hongkong.