Hong Kong medical watchdog gets new chief for first time in almost 12 years

Professor Grace Tang is elected unopposed as chairwoman of the city’s Medical Council after long-time incumbent Joseph Lau steps down

Appointment welcomed by fellow council members and the Medical Association

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Hong Kong’s Medical Council has elected a specialist in obstetrics and gyynaecology as its new head, the first change at the top in almost 12 years. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Published: 8:09pm, 1 Feb 2024Updated: 1:34am, 2 Feb 2024

A veteran obstetrics and gynaecology specialist has been elected to lead Hong Kong’s medical watchdog, the first change at the top of the organisation for almost 12 years.

The body said on Thursday Grace Tang Wai-king had become chairwoman of the Medical Council for a three-year term.

Tang said late on Thursday that the election result was the consensus of council members, and a signal of their support for her as chairwoman.

“I shall ensure that the work of the Medical Council is done as stipulated in the Medical Registration Ordinance,” she said. “I shall continue the Medical Council’s role to uphold and maintain professionalism, to protect the public and to ensure justice.”

A source said earlier Tang was the only candidate put forward for election.

Tang, a council member since 1997 and an honorary clinical professor in the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) obstetrics and gynaecology department, took up the top role after previous chairman Professor Joseph Lau Wan-yee, an expert in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, stepped down last month.