Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow will work to safeguard the underprivileged and families disadvantaged by poverty, and talk to all stakeholders in deciding the best way forward.

On his first day in the post today, Dr Chow said his top priorities will be welfare issues, adding he will also review medical and health issues to ensure Hong Kong is better protected against infectious disease.

Dr Chow said he feels both excited and anxious, because it is a huge responsibility to take on a portfolio of work that concerns the livelihood and health of everyone in Hong Kong.

He had a busy itinerary on his first day, giving his first public address at the second forum of the Community Investment & Inclusion Fund, and attended his first Executive Council meeting.

He later briefed the media on the appointment of new Hospital Authority Chairman Anthony Wu, and met with the Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food, the Directors of Health, Social Welfare, and Food & Environmental Hygiene, along with the Acting Government Chemist, Hospital Authority Chief Executive and senior directorate officers of the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau.