How the Jockey Club is helping Hong Kong nurture a healthy community
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s commitment to a better society aided the establishment of the Centre for Health Protection following SARS, and now the opening of CUHK Medical Centre
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As a world-class racing club The Hong Kong Jockey Club is committed to acting continuously for the betterment of society, and one of its aims is to promote a healthy community. That includes support for the development of Hong Kong’s medical and health fields in conjunction with its strong network of partners, while also encouraging public participation in sports and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
The Club’s commitment has been demonstrated through a range of projects over the decades. The latest large-scale initiative is the state-of-the-art CUHK Medical Centre in Sha Tin, which is now becoming operational in phases.
Such contributions are possible thanks to the Club’s integrated business model, through which wagering and lottery revenues are returned to the community in the form of tax payments and charitable donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the world’s top ten charity donors.
From community clinics to the Centre for Health Protection
Health issues came under the Club’s radar in the 1950s, when Hong Kong was experiencing crowded living conditions and the rapid spread of infectious diseases. The Club responded by making crucial donations to support hospital expansions and medical equipment purchases at a time when Government resources were stretched. It also supported the founding of clinics and maternal and child health centres. Today, there are still 14 Jockey Club clinics serving the public.
Following the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, the Club funded the establishment of the Centre for Health Protection with a donation of HK$500 million. When the city faced subsequent public health threats, such as avian flu and swine flu, the Centre enabled the Government to respond more rapidly and efficiently to contain the diseases.
COVID-19: standing strong together
From the onset of the pandemic, the Club adopted a speedy, targeted and innovative response to relief efforts to stand strong together with the people of Hong Kong, helping to procure 16 million face masks and numerous care packages for distribution to those in urgent need. A COVID-19 Emergency Fund was launched to fast-track support for front-line agencies, while free data bandwidth was provided to underprivileged children during the school closure period.
Another critical initiative was a food assistance programme offering needy recipients nutritious food through automated dispensers and other delivery services. A talent-matching and professional career development programme was launched for graduate job seekers, while subsidies were provided to care homes for the elderly and people with disabilities to upgrade safety and infection control facilities.
To date, over HK$1 billion in funding has been committed by the Club, benefiting more than one million residents.
Delivering quality healthcare services through CUHK Medical Centre
The pandemic is a reminder of how a healthy community is dependent on quality medical services, such as those provided by the new CUHK Medical Centre, which the Club funded with a donation of HK$1.3 billion from its Charities Trust. It is the single largest-ever donation made by the Club to medical services and to The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
The Medical Centre has recently commenced operations with the aim of bringing affordable private healthcare to a broader range of residents, relieving pressure on overstretched public hospitals, and strengthening the medical network in Sha Tin.
As Hong Kong’s first “smart hospital”, the CUHK Medical Centre is well-equipped and makes use of the latest technologies. For example, an automatic medication dispensing system shortens the waiting time for patients and ensures safe use of medicines. The Centre also leverages digital information and communications technology. It is equipped with a paperless medical records system to support smooth patient treatment and enhance the efficiency of operations in an environmentally friendly manner. Its BEAM Plus accreditation recognises the Centre’s environmental protection and sustainable development efforts.
To deliver quality medical and healthcare services at prices that are transparent, the CUHK Medical Centre offers fixed-price treatment packages for users. It also provides training and clinical attachment for students of CUHK’s medical programmes, as well as healthcare professionals from other tertiary institutions, to enhance training and meet social needs.
All of these advances achieved over decades underline the Club’s commitment to nurturing a healthy Hong Kong community.