Medical experts expressed disappointment yesterday over a 'visa hurdle' created by the SAR Government for a senior Taiwanese health official who cancelled plans to attend a medical conference in Hong Kong.
Taiwan's Department of Health director, Dr Lee Ming-liang, had intended to travel to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning to attend the World Health Federation's global conference. But he pulled out after SAR authorities told him he could only take part 'in a private capacity' and could not officially represent Taiwan. Dr Lee was replaced by his subordinate, Weng Ruei-heng, director-general of the Bureau of Health Promotion under the department.
Dr Weng claimed the SAR Government imposed additional restrictions on his colleague when he applied for a visa to Hong Kong, such as banning him from any political activities.
Dr Weng was not subject to the same restrictions. The Taiwan official believed it was because he 'is not as senior as Dr Lee'.
'We are very disappointed by the way the Hong Kong Government handled Dr Lee's application. Dr Lee only planned to attend a medical conference here,' Dr Weng said.
Dr Patrick Ko Tak-him, president of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, who is the organiser of the conference, confirmed an invitation was sent to Dr Lee two months ago.