Newsletter No. 5
To All Members
I. Rebate of Fees for medicines, consultation and related medical equipment/services
1. In the event public hospitals or clinics operating under the auspices of the Hospital Authority (HA) are unable to provide medicines, equipment or medical services prescribed by duty medical officers, civil servant patients (including retirees) and other eligible personalities may apply for a rebate of the expenses incurred in the acquirement of such medicines, equipment or services. It was reported in the last newsletter that the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), having conducted a review on the rebate system, is consulting the civil servants on its preliminary recommendations.
2. HKFISSA has, in June, dispatched a representative to attend the 2nd Quarterly Seminar chaired by the Hong Kong Retired Civil Servants Welfare Association. Most up-to-date information revealed that the CSB has, in its reply to all retiree associations, reaffirmed that there is no change to the existing rebate policy as described above.
3. Without repeating the procedures for applying for rebate (which has been detailed in the last newsletter), the personal experience of a member indicated that the procedures are cumbersome. It is vital for the applicant to ensure that the duty medical officer has certified in writing the absolute need of the relevant medicines, equipment or medical services, otherwise rebate may have to be delayed to the next consultation. Members are hereby put on notice that in case they encounter difficulties in securing such reimbursement, they are welcome to contact us for assistance.
II. Use of Government Holiday Bungalows
4. Since 1 March 1995, the use of government holiday bungalows at Cheung Sha of Lantau and Tai Mei Tuk of Tai Po has been extended to pensioners on weekdays, except public holidays.
5. Application for such facilities is operated through the telephone on a first-come first-served basis. Applicants should call the CSB Quartering Office on 3185 3119 for advance booking (acceptance of booking will start from the 20th day of the month preceding the intended renting date, e.g. if you intend to rent a bungalow in August, booking by telephone will start on 20 July).
6. In general, renting of those facilities should not exceed 3 consecutive days on any one occasion, and each applicant may make application once a month. Daily rental amounts to $155 per day for each bungalow. Successful applicants should complete and return the relevant application form to the said Office.
III. HKFISSA Updating
7. We have approached Hang Seng Bank to open an investment account. However, owing to the extraordinary registration of our Association as a limited company, the Bank would require to seek legal advice before notifying us of the necessary formalities.
HKFISSA Office
8. Refurbishment of the HKFISSA office at Cheung Sha Wan Road in Sham Shui Po had been completed and an inauguration was held on Monday 18 July. On that clear sunny day, nearly all members of the Executive Committee gathered in the premises at Cheong Fat Building. The owner Mr Choy Hui-hong was also present to witness the brief yet ceremonious occasion at 11 am. All present made wishes that everything would go well and all association businesses would be prosperous. Mr Choy also took the opportunity to deliver a cheque of $50,000 as his further donation to HKFISSA for financing the procurement of office and computer equipment.
9. Members who are interested to visit the premises are welcome to contact us.
IV. HKFISSA Activities
Monthly activities
10. On 6 July (Wednesday), a group of 24 took a leisurely walk on Lamma to enjoy the hours of dusk followed by a delicious seafood dinner exclusive to the island.
11. A visit to the Museum of Coastal Defence is scheduled for the morning of 17 August with an optional lunch to be decided thereafter. Please see Appendix attached for details (Activity No. 5).
12. The activities for September and October will be a late afternoon walk at Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, and a visit to the Buddha Statue and Po Lin Monastery in Lantau respectively. Please refer to the details published on the HKFISSA website.
Badminton and Luncheon
13. Badminton courts for practicing will continue to be reserved for the use of HKFISSA members at the Disciplined Services Sports and Recreation Club at Causeway Bay. These are available on all Tuesdays (from 10 am to noon) and Fridays (from 11 am to 1 pm). The charge is $20 per person per playing session. Members who are interested may contact our secretary Mr Wong Shiu-pui John on 9196 8303. Lunch is also served at the Chinese restaurant at the above Club premises (at 12:30 pm on Tuesdays) for members who wish to socialize with their friends and ex-colleagues.
Gathering in the Officers Mess
14. Gathering and spending some time together with ex-colleagues will provide golden opportunities to recall the good old days in the disciplined service. Starting from August, HKFISSA will organize such gatherings at the Officers Mess on the last Thursday of each month (running from 6 pm to 11 pm). Dinner gathering will also be held at the restaurant on the same floor. Members are warmly invited to join at their will, to enjoy these happy evenings in chatting and singing.
15. Details of retail outlets (Ching Mei / Janfield Records Company, Happy Sound Music Limited, Wines Unlimited and Dr Cheung Kwok-kwong etc) which provide privileges or discounts to members are all contained in the HKFISSA website for members¡¦ viewing.
16. Latest news: Mountain Services International Limited, which markets mountain-climbing costumes, equipment and accessories, has provided us with 10 concession cards. Members wishing to make use of these cards may contact me or any other Executive Committee member.
17. HKFISSA continues to contact various retail outlets for getting better benefits. Members may contact any Executive Committee member of HKFISSA to put forth their views and suggestions.
VI. How to Contact HKFISSA
18. Members who wish to make enquiries or comments may contact us by :
l mailing to P O Box 25823, Harbour Building Post Office, Central, Hong Kong;
l faxing to (852) 2367 1671;
l emailing to [email protected]; or
l visiting our Website at http://hk.geocities.com/fissaimm/.
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Patrick Pang Kue-chuen
President
HKFISSA
July 2005