A financial assistance application by the family members of a private doctor who died of SARS contracted through his professional practice, has been approved.

Some $3 million will be provided to the bereaved family members of Dr Thomas Cheung, an ear, nose and throat surgeon in private practice, under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Family Members of Those Who Sacrifice Their Lives to Save Others.

Speaking after a meeting of the committee which serves as the approving authority of the scheme, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food and chairperson of the committee, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, said Dr Cheung sacrificed his life to save others during the SARS outbreak.

Dr Yeoh said Dr Cheung's dedication and contribution in treating his patients and serving the community even at the height of the threat of a new disease have been greatly recognised.

"His selfless devotion to the Hong Kong community, together with the high level of professionalism displayed, commands our greatest respect."

He said the Government will spare no effort in addressing the needs of the bereaved family, and the committee sincerely hopes that the assistance provided under the scheme can provide them some relief at this difficult time.

Dr Cheung ran a private clinic and was a visiting doctor at a private hospital. At the peak of the outbreak, Dr Cheung continued to discharge his duties involving high-risk procedures and served his patients with dedication, notwithstanding the risk and threat involved.

He died on May 31, and his family filed an application to the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau on July 8.