An emergency fund will soon be set up to assist families affected by SARS, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says, adding that once the decision is made, the Government will seek funding support from the Legislative Council's Finance Committee.

Speaking at the Health Panel Services meeting this morning, Dr Yeoh once again offered his apology.

He said he has seriously considered ways of shouldering the responsibility and came to the conclusion that the best way is to apologise and to work even harder to improve the healthcare system.

Dr Yeoh stressed that the Social Welfare Department had earlier sent a letter to all the families of SARS victims, offering assistance. He noted, though, that some of them had declined the  Government's offer.

Nevertheless, to better help the victims, he said, the welfare department and Hospital Authority are now reviewing the assistance it provides to them.

Dr Yeoh said a special working group headed by him will hold its first meeting tomorrow to follow up the Expert Committee's recommendations.

LegCo panel recommends setting up a select committee

Meanwhile, the Legislative Council's Health Services Panel unanimously agreed to recommend to the House Committee that a select committee be set up to investigate the SARS incident.