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Following is the statement of the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Mrs Carrie Yau, of the resignation of the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, tonight (July 7):

All of the colleagues from the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau and departments under the ambit of the bureau felt sorry for the resignation of the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong.

Hong Kong has faced many challenges and difficulties caused by non-human factors over the past five years such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), avian influenza and dengue fever. Under the leadership of Dr Yeoh, we have overcome and met these challenges with concerted efforts to safeguard the health of the Hong Kong public.

Dr Yeoh has tried his best to fight for more resources for the caring of the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the society including the elderly and the disabled to ensure they can live a better life.

We deeply regret Dr Yeoh's departure. As Dr Yeoh has formulated good policies for Hong Kong's public health, health care system, food safety, welfare and elderly services, we will strive to do our best to continue the implementation of these policies.

We wish Dr Yeoh all the best in the future and hope he would continue to serve Hong Kong people in other ways.

Ends/Wednesday, July 7, 2004

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