April 22, 2003
In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (April 22) said that DH is liaising with overseas, local and Mainland suppliers as well as local tertiary institutions with a view to identifying suitable infrared thermal imaging system(ITIS) for the detection of travelers with fever.
The spokesman said the successful supplier would be required to provide sufficient machines to meet DH's requirement in terms of specifications, stead supply of spare parts as well as technical and maintenance support.
"It is hoped that each checkpoint would be installed with ITIS of the same standard and specifications.
"Even though some of the suppliers are able to provide suitable devices, it is not certain they could meet DH's demand for a larger supply within a short span of time," the spokesman said.
The spokesman noted that devices of this kind available in the market have so far been produced for industrial purposes. The suppliers in general have not the experience of using it for body temperature taking.
"In this regard, DH needs to be very cautious in examining the use of these equipments to ensure that they could meet the actual need," the spokesman added.