Hospital Authority Announces Senior Appointments for Key Healthcare Leadership Roles

Hospital Authority announces senior appointments

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced the following senior appointments today (December 18):

Dr Tony Ha will be appointed as Director (Strategy and Planning) with effect from January 1, 2026.

Dr Ha is a specialist in administrative medicine with extensive experience in clinical and executive roles across the Health Bureau, HA Head Office and clusters. Since March 2023, he has served as the Assistant Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, contributing to the planning and implementation of major primary healthcare reforms. He has played a key role in driving the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, supporting the establishment of the Primary Healthcare Commission, and advancing the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme, which aims to facilitate early identification and timely intervention of chronic diseases, thereby reducing reliance on specialised and hospital services. Dr Ha also co-ordinates the development of service models, service standards, and IT (information technology) systems of Family Medicine Outpatient Services, and liaises with the HA to strengthen support for patients in need, including underprivileged groups. Prior to his current appointment, Dr Ha served as Chief Manager in the Strategy and Planning Division of the HA Head Office, where he oversaw the planning and development of services in primary care, elderly care, palliative care and rehabilitation, contributing to the advancement of smart healthcare initiatives by applying digital tools and data-driven service models to enhance the accessibility, integration, and efficiency of these services.

Dr Loletta So will be appointed as Cluster Chief Executive (CCE) of Kowloon East Cluster and Hospital Chief Executive (HCE) of United Christian Hospital with effect from February 1, 2026.

A specialist in respiratory medicine by background, Dr So is a seasoned clinician with solid exposure to top management positions in the cluster and hospitals. Dr So has been in her current role as the CCE of Hong Kong East Cluster and HCE of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH), St John Hospital and Wong Chuk Hang Hospital since 2022. Dr So has led the cluster towards continuous advancement in technological innovation, namely the establishment of the Hybrid Operating Theatre in PYNEH and the invention of an advanced 3D printing model for training healthcare professionals, which won 15 awards in local and international innovation and technology competitions. Under Dr So's leadership, PYNEH became the first public hospital in Hong Kong to be accredited under the China's International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version). During the 5th wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, Dr So successfully led the cluster to set up a designated hospital in Ruttonjee Hospital and a designated floor in PYNEH for COVID-19 patients.

Dr Eric Yan will be appointed as HCE of Kowloon Hospital (KH) and Hong Kong Eye Hospital with effect from January 1, 2026.

A specialist in psychiatry in background, Dr Yan is a seasoned psychiatrist with rich experience in both hospital operations and management. Dr Yan is currently the Deputy HCE and Chief of Service of Psychiatry of KH. Dr Yan spearheaded the commissioning of child and adolescent mental health services in Kowloon Central Cluster and the new consultation service model for psychiatric nurses to carry out child psychiatric consultations, which significantly reduced consultation times and enhanced patient care. Dr Yan also holds various pivotal roles in the professional and governmental bodies, including the Vice President (General Affairs) of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, in which he collaborated with different stakeholders to develop a modernised and professional psychiatric specialist training programme in the Greater Bay Area.

The HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee, congratulate Dr Ha, Dr So and Dr Yan on their new appointments and wish them every success in taking up the new roles. Mr Fan and Dr Lee also expressed their appreciation to Dr Ching Wai-kuen, Director (Strategy and Planning) for his dedicated service over the years and wish him a happy retirement.

Hospital Authority announces senior appointments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hospital Authority announces senior appointments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hospital Authority announces senior appointments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases