The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will hold accountable those responsible for the malfunction of newly-installed lifts at a redeveloped building of Queen Mary Hospital, delaying its full reopening.
The incident revolves around the hospital’s new Clinical Block. After its phased opening last year, multiple lifts failed to function properly and were alleged to have structural defects.
Highlighting the importance of public healthcare services, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday emphasized the urgency to resolve the issue. “The incident has caused widespread concern. These problems must be rectified quickly as medical services are of great importance,” he told reporters ahead of the Executive Council meeting.
The SAR government will pursue accountability among the contractors, subcontractors, engineering personnel and professionals involved in the project, Lee said, stressing that any civil servant found negligent will also be held accountable.
The chief executive said the Development Bureau has given him a preliminary briefing. He has tasked the bureau to investigate and report within a month to identify any inadequacy.
The authorities will consider further steps once the full details of the incident were confirmed, he added. “The new Clinical Block must be open for service as soon as possible.”
‘Golden Week’ preparations
At the same press briefing, the CE highlighted a number of preparatory measures ahead of the upcoming National Day holiday, particularly a crackdown on forced shopping, to ensure a welcoming experience for tourists.
“The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, along with the chief secretary for administration, will convene a cross-departmental meeting to coordinate efforts across various government departments and the tourism industry,” he said, adding that the Security Bureau's Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre will also be activated when the "Golden Week" begins.
The authorities will take firm actions against travel agencies and tour guides involved in forced shopping, including revoking their licenses, as well as punishing registered shops found committing violations, he stressed.
To step up the dissemination of information - including weather updates, transport arrangements, event details, and real-time conditions at various border crossings - the Hong Kong Tourism Board will launch a dedicated webpage, according to Lee.
On hotspot management, the CE noted the authorities anticipate a surge of visitors at Po Pin Chau – famous for its dramatic hexagonal rock columns near the High Island Reservoir East Dam. The SAR government will continue operating an online booking system following its successful trial earlier this month.
