Press Releases
Transcript of media session by SHWF on Dr William Ho
Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session by the
Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, on Dr William Ho's
intention not to renew his contract as Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority
before attending a dinner hosted by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of
Hong Kong tonight (June 23):
Reporter: Dr Chow, can you tell us your feeling towards Dr Ho's refusal to renew
the contract?
Dr Chow: I feel both surprised and regret. I also know that he was under very
great pressure because he was also struck down by SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome) during the epidemic. Knowing that he will be putting up a lot of
pressure, so his decision, I understand, must have gone through a great deal of
struggle before he made that decision. In fact, I have talked to the Chairman of
the Hospital Authority, Mr Anthony Wu, after that was being made in the Hospital
Authority board today. I promise him that I will try to work together with the
Hospital Authority to arrange a transition and also try to find a most suitable
person to replace him.
Reporter: Is it difficult for you to find a replacement?
Dr Chow: It is up to the Hospital Authority through a global search to find the
right replacement. Of course, at the moment, we do not have a specific candidate
for this position. But I am sure, with time we are able to find a suitable
person.
Reporter: Would you find it within the Hospital Authority?
Dr Chow: I hope that the search will not just be confined to the Hospital
Authority, but rather to Hong Kong as well as the overseas.
(Please also refer to the
Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, June 23, 2005
Issued at HKT 21:55
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