Hong Kong's Medical Council said on November 5, 2026, that it will process a by-election for the vacancy left by the resignation of lay member Alex Lam Chi-yau, a prominent patients' rights advocate. The council said it received Lam's written notice and that his resignation took effect from 23:59 on November 4.
Lam, a lawyer and chairperson of a patient policy concern group, said he agreed on October 25 to act as pro bono legal representative for the father of Chau Tin-yu, a girl who was in a vegetative state and died six years after undergoing surgery, in a Coroner's Inquest. He said he declared the arrangement to the Medical Council.
According to Lam, the Medical Council took the view that a conflict of interest existed even though he was not handling the relevant case within the council. Lam said he had not come into contact with any case-related materials at the Medical Council and did not believe a conflict existed, but stepped down to avoid public misunderstanding and to prevent further delays to the inquest.
The Medical Council said it is studying the matter and will hold in-depth discussions to decide whether clear guidelines on conflicts of interest are needed. It said the by-election will follow established procedures under the Medical Registration Ordinance and its bylaws, and thanked Lam for his work during 7 years and 10 months as a member. A Coroner's Inquest and a Medical Council inquiry into the case are being held separately.
