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The performance of the Hospital Authority (HA) Board, management and all staff over the years, and in particular during the SARS period, has been outstanding, the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, said today (July 8).

Speaking in response to the resignation of the chairman of HA, Dr Leong Che-hung, Dr Yeoh said: "I wish to thank Dr Leong, the board and all HA staff, without whose selfless sacrifice, the outcome of the epidemic would have been worse.

"No one wishes to see the loss of a single life but the healthcare system was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the epidemic. In fact, no other place in the world encountered the same ferocity as Hong Kong did in the SARS epidemic.

"The incessant effort of the HA Board under Dr Leong's leadership, management and staff was one of the major factors in helping to bring the epidemic under control.

"I have invited the chairman to stay on in the interest of Hong Kong and to lead the organisation forward, but my attempt, I am sad to say, failed.

"Dr Leong has insisted to take on fully his responsibility and resigned. However, he agreed to stay on until a suitable successor is found.

"I am pleased that the board will stay on in the public interest."

Ends/Thursday, July 8, 2004

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