Outgoing Hospital Authority Chief Executive Tony Ko says new technology and a skilled workforce are key to the future of the public health system, as he reflected on his six years in the job.

Ko was speaking to the media ahead of the end of his tenure on July 31, when he will be replaced by former Under Secretary for Health Libby Lee

Ko said that advancing healthcare technology -- through initiatives like telehealth, Smart Hospital 2.0 and the clinical management system – was vital to better patient care and clinical service quality.

He also said a few large projects were set to come onstream.

"We have a few hospital projects already in place now, say the new Kwong Wah Hospital... and we have more projects coming up. We will soon have the new clinical blocks of Queen Mary Hospital and all the other things," he said.

Ko said medical personnel had grown by over 10 percent and that more than 300 non-locally trained doctors were now serving in public hospitals.

"We noticed that our manpower situation has actually much improved when compared to six years ago.

"Not only we have a much lower attrition rate now, but also we are able to attract talent from different parts of the world, from overseas, from the mainland, literally making Hong Kong become an international medical talent hub."

Ko, a geriatrician who steered the authority through the Covid outbreak, said Hong Kong has now faced two major pandemics - if the 2003 Sars outbreak is also included - and that that the authority is now well-prepared for any that may occur in future.

After over 30 years' experience in the public health system, Ko described his role as fulfilling and rewarding. He said he now aims to pursue further education, possibly in history or music.