Secretary for Health expresses sorrow over passing of former Chairman of Medical Council of HK Professor Joseph Lau

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, expressed deep condolences over the passing of the former Chairman of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK), Professor Joseph Lau, and extended his deepest sympathies to Professor Lau's family today (February 7).

     Professor Lo said, "Professor Lau has made remarkable achievements in the medical field throughout his life as a world renowned expert in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. He was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2003, honouring his instrumental stature in the medical community.

     "Professor Lau was committed to the medical development of Hong Kong. He was a former President of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. He also served on the MCHK for over 22 years and just retired from the MCHK last month after serving as its Chairman for more than 11 years. During his service, Professor Lau spared no effort in upholding the professional standards of doctors and pushing ahead the enhancements to the regulatory framework. As a research professor of the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Lau has devoted himself to teaching and research, having nurtured countless surgeons at home and abroad over the years. In 2013, he was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in recognition of his contributions to society, in particular the medical field.

     "Professor Lau cared deeply about his patients, showed great dedication to teach medical students from all backgrounds, and carried out research diligently. His lifelong contribution to the medical community in Hong Kong has earned him much respect and he will be dearly missed. Together with my colleagues in the Health Bureau, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority, I extend our deepest sympathies to Professor Lau's family."