The Government said today it respects the judgment made by a panel set up under the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) in relation to a 2009 case of cerebral palsy in a newborn baby.
The MCHK’s Inquiry Panel restarted a disciplinary inquiry into the case of Li Yuanjian in November last year, following a review of the matter.
In a statement, the Government said it fully supports the panel’s decision and stressed that the inquiry’s conclusion helps to clarify the facts of the incident, and cuts short any prolonged pressure on the doctor and on the child’s family.
The Health Bureau again extended its sympathies to Yuanjian and his parents. It said it hopes the judgment can bring them some solace, and allow them to focus fully on Yuanjian’s care while maintaining their confidence in Hong Kong’s healthcare system and institutional framework.
Relevant departments will continue to follow up on Yuanjian’s medical and welfare needs, the bureau added.
The Government said there is an urgent need to improve the MCHK’s complaint handling mechanism, as was clearly stated in two reports – one submitted by the MCHK to the bureau in December, and a report issued by the Ombudsman in February concerning a direct investigation into the council’s secretariat.
To this end, the bureau announced the start of legislative procedure for the Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill 2026 on on June 26.
The bill puts forth a series of recommendations to reform the MCHK’s complaint handling mechanism, and will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on Wednesday.