Dr York Chow has become the health minister since October 8, 2004, replacing E.K. Yeoh, who stepped down to accept responsibility for the SARS epidemic, which had killed nearly 300 lives and harmed 1,800 people in Hong Kong.

Prior to that, he was chief executive for both Queen Mary Hospital and the Hong Kong West cluster of hospitals.

"I never thought I would join the government or assume the ministerial post, but (then chief executive) Mr. Tung Chee-hwa offered me the post during the most difficult of times," Chow revealed.

"It was September 2004. I was not in Hong Kong when I received the call from Mr. Tung. He told me he had approached several persons, but said I was the most suitable person.

"I flied back to Hong Kong to meet Mr. Tung and left after the meeting to continue my vacation. His sense of commitment inspired me to accept the offer, and I pledged to launch a healthcare financing plan. I also told Mr. Donald Tsang, when he became chief executive, that Hong Kong needs a healthcare financing scheme," he recounted.

Most of Hong Kong's politically-appointed under secretaries are often criticized. The only exception is Gabriel Leung, Under Secretary for Food and Health, who most lawmakers and media consider to be knowledgeable and competent.

Reportedly, the placement of under secretaries are at the discretion of a selection committee, which was not always the best informed about the needs of the policy bureaux.

Chow chose Leung especially because he was a professor and epidemics expert at the University of Hong Kong.

"I recommended him but the selection committee made the decision," he admitted, adding that having someone with medical background as his deputy is a rare opportunity.

Chow, who specializes in orthopaedics, said Leung has been doing well in briefing the media and the public on the H1N1 situation since last year.

"Gabriel is more suitable for this role than I am. He has formed a very good partnership with Dr Thomas Tsang, controller of the Centre for Health Protection."

"So except for very serious matters, he will address the public. That gives him plenty of exposure and he is very committed and passionate about his work," said the health minister.

(HK Edition 03/19/2010 page4)