Hong Kong authorities are pushing reforms to speed up how the Medical Council handles complaints. A public outcry followed a 15-year wait for an inquiry into a medical error that left a child disabled. The Health Bureau announced the council must now set clear time limits for complaint handling. The watchdog will also see changes in its makeup, with doctors from varied backgrounds and more lay members—currently only 8 of the 32 council members are laypeople. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said, "The government aims to reform the Medical Council to ensure the highest standard of professional excellence, protect public health and strengthen the trust between doctors and patients, aligning with Hong Kong’s goal of becoming an international hub for medical innovation." The plan comes after the ombudsman criticized the council's slow process. He noted 11 cases were stuck for over 10 years, including one against Dr Sit Sou-chi. The paediatrician faces accusations of a medical blunder from 2009 that permanently disabled a boy. The government hopes to introduce a reform bill to the Legislative Council in the first half of this year.