Open University chief John Leong Chi-yan named as new Hospital Authority chairman
Open University president John Leong replaces accountant Anthony Wu
The president of the Open University, a doctor by profession, has been appointed chairman of the Hospital Authority to replace nine-year veteran Anthony Wu Ting-yuk.
John Leong Chi-yan, 71, will in December succeed the accountancy-trained Wu, 59, who has led the public medical sector since 2004, the government said yesterday. The change comes as the government starts a review of the authority, including its management and resources allocation. Wu has identified the manpower shortage as a problem he failed to solve.
A discussion about possible candidates had dragged on for months as the administration was split by different views, a source said.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying had favoured executive councillor and former Chinese University vice chancellor Professor Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, while Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man preferred Leong, the source said.
"Ko disagreed with appointing Li because he was not comfortable with Li's domineering style. Eventually the chief executive heeded the health minister's views," the source said.
Leong was dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong, teaching for 38 years, before he moved to lead the Open University. He also practised at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam. He was chosen as the most suitable among several candidates, a bureau spokesman said.
"I believe that with my deep knowledge in the structure and operations of Hong Kong's public medical sector, I can contribute in this area," Leong said. "As for issues such as long waiting times and the lack of beds, these I can comment on only after I take part in the review committee."