Surgeon sues over 'monthly pay of $6,000'

A surgeon gave up everything in Australia to take a job in Hong Kong only to find himself making a 'meagre' monthly income averaging $6,047, a court heard yesterday.

Dr Andrew Koh Kee-suan, 62, sold his Porsche at a loss of $150,300 about nine years ago before leaving Perth with his wife and their child.

He alleged that Dr Vincent Ip Kay-lo, who offered the vacancy in the Admiralty Doctors' Group (ADG), was liable for the loss plus $79,438 as expenses for moving the Koh family and setting up a new home.

Dr Koh is also suing Dr Ip for an unspecified amount for deceit or negligent misrepresentation and $279,228 in overpayment of management fees.

The veteran surgeon had relied on various statements by Dr Ip in coming to Hong Kong to work in the clinic at Admiralty Centre, the Court of First Instance heard.

Dr Ip allegedly asked Dr Koh to replace an outgoing general surgeon in ADG.

Dr Koh later found out that his predecessor, Dr Fung Wing-pong, had only been a part-timer at the clinic, making as little as $7,624 a year, the court heard.