Press Release

Family doctors contribute to promoting mental health

15 May 2016

The Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan, today (May 15) acknowledged the important role of family doctors in the healthcare system and their contribution in promotion of mental health, in addition to physical health, at an event to celebrate World Family Doctor Day 2016.

According to an online survey conducted by the Department of Health (DH) in March, 59 per cent of 1139 respondents reported that they were willing to discuss any psychological, social or mood problems with their doctor. However, only 22 per cent of the respondents had ever discussed any of their mood problems with the doctor.

Dr Chan said many people did not recognise the role of family doctors in managing mood problems and that, in fact, mental health is as important as physical health. Family doctors are well positioned and capable of providing suitable treatment and support to patients with mood problems, as part of the holistic care they pledge to offer, she said.

The Honorary Treasurer and member at Large of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) World Executive Council, Dr Donald Li, noted that family doctors are the main providers of primary care for families in a continuing healthcare process and they are trained to care about patients beyond treatment of physical illnesses. Family doctors are capable of providing comprehensive, continuing, whole person and preventive care to individuals and families so as to ensure physical, psychological and social well-being, Dr Li said.

The President of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP), Dr Angus Chan, said, "The slogan 'Family Doctors: Brighten Your Life' said it all. Trust your family doctors." He added that the HKCFP would continue to work in partnership with the DH in furthering primary care.

World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) is celebrated annually on May 19 by WONCA to give recognition to the important role of family doctors in the global healthcare system and their considerable contribution to improving health.

To celebrate WFDD 2016, the DH and the HKCFP jointly held a publicity event today to promote the concept of family doctors and raise awareness of the role of family doctors in managing mood problems. Family doctors from the HKCFP and two patients shared their experience onstage. An interactive game to promote positive thinking was also conducted. The theme of this event echoed that of the Joyful@HK Campaign launched by the DH in late January this year.

For more information on the family doctor concept and primary care initiatives, the public may visit the website of the Primary Care Office of the DH (This link will open in a new windowwww.pco.gov.hk).