Patients, policy makers and Pharmaceutical professionals gathered together for the first patient empowerment forum organised by HKAPI.Over 100 representatives from 25 patient groups and HKAPI members showed up on a Saturday afternoon on August 19th to the Forum organized by HKAPI.

The Forum included a series of short talks and discussions between representatives of patient groups.Dr. Hon Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung, member of the legislative council and Mr.K P TSANG, President of Hong Kong Alliance of Rare Diseases introduced the principle and development of patient advocacy. They also shared their experiences in promoting patient participation in policy making process.

The Forum is complemented by the sharing sessions from representatives of 11 patient groups. Mr Tim Pang Hung-cheong, community organizer of the Society for Community Organization joined Ms Anchor Hung, Senior Manager of The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (Research, Advocacy and Special Projects), Mr Yuen Siu Lam, Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations Limited, Mr.Alex Lam, Chairman of Hong Kong Patients’ Voices, and Mr. Oliver Woo, former president of Hong Kong Adult Blood Cancer Group Limited, in the first sharing session. Speakers shared their views on certain problems faced by patients in Hong Kong, including the shortage and resourcing problems within the public healthcare system, as well as the representation of patient groups in policy making.

Mr.Patrick Wong Tai-shing, CEO of 8765 Diabetes facilitated the second sharing sessions with Ms Rebecca Yuen Pui-ling, Chairwoman of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Association, Mr Tim Pang Hung-cheong, community organizer of the Society for Community Organization, Mr Mico Chow Man-cheung , Chairman of HK FamilyLink Mental Health Advocacy Association, Mr Chan Wing-kai, Chairperson of The Hong Kong Asthma Society, and Mr Alan Ng, founder of Cancerinformation.com.hk Limited. They shared their past advocacy experience in raising public awareness of diseases and strategy on promoting their ideas to the public as well as the authorities.

Ms Sabrina Chan, senior executive director of HKAPI, said the Forum serves as a platform for stakeholders to share their views in patient empowerment, which ultimately helps improving medical services in Hong Kong. She believed that the collaboration between Patients groups, policy makers and the pharmaceutical industry is essential for promoting patient-centred care and high-quality medical service in Hong Kong.