On 15 May 2003, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa launched a government-led investigation, ordering the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food to appoint a review committee comprising local and overseas experts. The membership of the SARS Expert Committee was announced on 28 May 2003. Committee co-chairs Sir Cyril Chantler and Sian Griffiths submitted the panel's final report to the government on 2 October 2003.

One of the recommendations in the report was the setting up of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), to be charged with communicable disease control, surveillance, planning for epidemics, and co-ordination during outbreaks. This suggestion was welcomed by Hong Kong medical experts. Deputy health director Leung Pak-yin became the first controller of the CHP on 1 April 2004. The initial operations of the centre were supported by a HK$500 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The centre officially commenced operation on 1 June 2004.