Press Releases

Welfare issues top priority: new SHWF

        The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, said on his first day in the post today (October 12) that his top priorities would be welfare issues.

        Dr Chow said he would work to safeguard the underprivileged and those families disadvantaged by poverty. In deciding the best way forward, he would talk to all the stakeholders.

        He would also review the medical and health issues to make sure Hong Kong would be better protected against any infectious diseases.

        Speaking to the media, Dr Chow said he felt both excited and anxious. He was anxious because he knew it was a huge responsibility to take on a portfolio of work that concerned the livelihood and health of everyone in Hong Kong.

        Dr Chow had a busy itinerary to mark his first day in office.

        Early in the morning, he gave his first public address at the second forum of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund at the Hong Kong Central Library. Afterwards, he returned to the Central Government Offices where he attended his first Executive Council meeting with the Chief Executive, other principal officials and non-official members.

        In the afternoon, he met with the media to announce the appointment of the new chairman of the Hospital Authority, Mr Wu Ting-yuk.

        The media session was followed by a meeting with the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food; Director of Health; Director of Social Welfare; Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene; acting Government Chemist; Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority; and senior directorate officers of the bureau.

Ends/Tuesday, October 12, 2004

NNNN