Secretary for Health expresses deep sorrow over passing of Princess Margaret Hospital oncologist
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, today (February 11) expressed profound sadness over the passing of an oncologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital and extended his deepest sympathies to the doctor's family.
He said, "The young doctor who died from a sudden illness was determined to practice medicine and save lives, and had been working for the Hospital Authority (HA) since graduation from the medical school to serve Hong Kong citizens. The doctor just obtained a specialist qualification in oncology, and was still taking care of patients in the ward right before the onset of symptoms. I am deeply moved by the doctor's professionalism, passion for work and care for patients. The doctor is genuinely a role model for colleagues of the healthcare profession.
"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the doctor's family on behalf of the Health Bureau, and the HA will make every effort to assist them. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is conducting epidemiological and environmental investigations into the incident at full strength, and will submit a report and give an account to the public as early as possible."
Man sentenced to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A man was sentenced today (January 20) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing 40 000 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict, stating that imprisonment serves as a significant deterrent. The DH also reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 19) that 40 000 alternative smoking products were intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Guangzhou. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.
Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 15 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Seventeen persons have been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from two to six months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Moreover, under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
The DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, and or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.
The West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts, the West Kowloon Law Courts Building
