Feature Articles

The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong’s (FPAHK) Tsuen Wan Centre was officially opened 25 January 2007. It is the Association’s first integrated sexual and reproductive health (S&RH) centre situated in an urban district, providing comprehensive medical and counseling services in S&RH to youth, men and women of all ages.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Dr. York Y.N. Chow, SBS, JP, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, remarked that people have different sexual and reproductive needs at different stages of life: puberty changes, dating and wedding preparation, childbirth and pregnancy, health checkup and screening etc. Over the years, FPAHK has developed a wide range of diversified S&RH services to cater for the changing needs of our society. Dr. Chow hoped that the Tsuen Wan Centre can serve more families in future and wished all Hong Kong people healthy, harmonious and happy family lives.

Professor Hextan Ngan, Chairperson of FPAHK, noted that the Association used to set up its clinics in public estates or inside FPAHK premises. The new Tsuen Wan Centre, situated in a commercial premise at a higher rental, poses a new challenge to the Association. But with its convenient location and high visitors flow, Professor Ngan expected that the Centre will be able to serve more clients in future. She reiterated that S&RH is a concept of holistic health encompassing individual and family needs and having a direct impact on population development. On the one hand, Hong Kong’s very low birth rate poses pressure on the sustainable development of our society. On the other hand, many couples face problems with sexual disharmony and subfertility. Professor Ngan stressed that reminding people to plan their families was not to change their childbirth decision but to encourage couples who had already decided to have children to plan early and plan well, and to seek professional help should they encounter sexual problems. She hoped that Hong Kong people can balance their personal career development and their family life.

Dr. Susan Fan, Executive Director of FPAHK, thanked Dr. York Chow for his presence and expressed gratitude to the Department of Health for supporting the Association to advocate S&RH through funding and collaboration. The Association was frequently invited to participate in the Government’s public health education programmes. Dr. Fan envisaged the Association will continue to work with the Government and other service providers to serve the community.