Press Releases

Members appointed to assess financial assistance for fallen heroes

The Government announced today (February 15) the appointment of four members to the Committee on Financial Assistance for Family Members of those who Sacrifice their Lives to Save Others. The Committee is chaired by the Secretary for Health and Welfare.

The four members appointed are the Hon Bernard Charnwut Chan, Mr Chau How Chen, Ms Lam Shuk Yee, and Mrs Leung Ngai Mou Yin, Justina. They are appointed for a term of three years with effect from February 11, 2002.

Secretary for Health and Welfare, Dr E K Yeoh, said he was pleased that the four members have agreed to serve on the Committee. "Their public service experience in the Legislative Council, District Council and various advisory boards and committees will be a tremendous asset to the Committee, and will ensure that different perspectives from a broad spectrum of the community will be heard in the Committee," Dr Yeoh said.

"Their professional expertise in the fields of insurance, finance, labour and social welfare will also help the Committee in its work," he added.

The Committee will serve as the approving authority to assess and determine applications for financial assistance under the scheme, which took effect on January 9 this year. Family members of an individual lawfully residing in Hong Kong, who dies as a result of trying to save or protect another person in Hong Kong, are eligible to apply for financial assistance. The scheme represents the Government's recognition of the honourable sacrifice of the deceased. It will also help address the different financial needs of the surviving members of the family.

The Health and Welfare Bureau will serve as the Committee Secretariat.

End/ Friday, February 15, 2002

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