Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has appointed Cecilia Fan Yuen-man as the new under secretary for health, succeeding Libby Lee Ha-yun, who will become the Hospital Authority's chief executive next month, according to the government.
Lee will resign as under secretary effective July 14, with Fan assuming the role the same day. Lee will join the Hospital Authority to assume the post of chief executive on Aug 1, the government said in a notification on Wednesday.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau welcomed Dr Fan to the Health Bureau, saying he looked forward to jointly promoting healthcare reform and innovation in Hong Kong as well as improving and protecting public health with her.
“Dr Fan has extensive experience in public health management, and participated in the coordination of anti-epidemic and disaster relief efforts on multiple occasions, receiving commendations from the Chief Executive and the National Health Commission and demonstrating the leadership and adaptability skills necessary to promote reform,” he said.
Thanking Dr Lee for her contribution to the sector, he said she has served as under secretary for almost three years and showcased her excellent leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills.
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“She also has a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by the healthcare system and the strategies on a macro level and will surely lead, in her new capacity, the Hospital Authority to drive reform and innovation, enhancing public healthcare services.”
Incumbent Hospital Authority Chairman Henry Fan Hung-ling has also been reappointed for a term of one year with effect from Dec 1.
Commenting on their appointments, the secretary for health said: “I trust that the Hospital Authority, under the leadership of Mr Fan and Dr Lee, will further take forward the relevant work in the future to ensure that the public healthcare system will provide the public with healthcare services of higher quality, safety and effectiveness.”
“We will be having a much stronger team, more coordinated to push forward the healthcare reforms that we are planning. We are confident that we will be able to achieve for the better health for Hong Kong,” he added.
