The Hospital Authority (HA) has initiated the process to recruit a Chief Executive to succeed Tony Ko, who has indicated that he will not seek continued employment after his contract ends in July.

Following the authority’s announcement of the recruitment process, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau expressed his recognition of and gratitude to Dr Ko for his contributions to Hong Kong’s public healthcare system. 

Prof Lo said: “I deeply appreciate the contributions made by Dr Ko to the development of the public healthcare system over the past six years in his capacity as Hospital Authority Chief Executive.”

Stressing that the HA faced numerous challenges during this period, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic putting unprecedented pressure on the public healthcare system, Prof Lo said Dr Ko did his utmost to lead the authority in response to these challenges, guiding its staff to serve the community.

“Dr Ko has also stepped up efforts to enhance the management and efficiency of the public healthcare system, raising the quality, safety and effectiveness of the authority’s services, and has supported government policies and explored collaboration opportunities in healthcare with the Mainland and the rest of the world while improving services so that Hong Kong can give better play to its unique role and contribute to the country’s healthcare development.

“I wish him every success in his future endeavours after leaving the post of Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority."

Stating that serving patients in public hospitals has been a lifelong honour to him, Dr Ko stated that the pandemic had eventually been defeated under the Government’s leadership.

“After the resumption of normalcy, we worked together for Hong Kong to maintain its leading role in the international healthcare field, strengthening connections and exchanges with the healthcare systems on the Mainland and with other regions.

“Meanwhile, we vigorously promoted the development of smart hospital initiatives for more patients to benefit from the technology. All these outstanding achievements could have only been accomplished with our concerted efforts.”

The HA Board has appointed a selection board to advise on the overall recruitment and selection process. This includes making a recommendation on remuneration for the successful candidate.

The authority will also engage a search firm. The recruitment exercise is expected to be completed within the next six months to allow adequate time for the new Chief Executive to engage in a smooth handover with Dr Ko.