The Government today announced that Chief Executive John Lee has appointed Dr Cecilia Fan as Under Secretary for Health to succeed Dr Libby Lee. Dr Lee has tendered her resignation and will leave her post on July 14, while Dr Fan will assume the post of Under Secretary for Health on the same day.

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.

He said: “Dr Fan has extensive experience in public health management, and participated in the co-ordination 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.”

Dr Lee will join the Hospital Authority to assume the post of Chief Executive on August 1.

Prof Lo thanked Dr Lee, noting she has served as Under Secretary for almost three years and has showcased her excellent leadership, presentation and interpersonal skills.

“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 has also been reappointed for a term of one year with effect from December 1.

Prof Lo added: “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.”