SINGAPORE - Professor Chee Yam Cheng, who currently helms the National Healthcare Group (NHG), will step down on Saturday.

He will be succeeded by geriatrician Philip Choo, who is the group's deputy chief executive and also chief executive of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).

During his four-year stint as group CEO, Prof Chee helped to improve access to medical care in the community. He also helped strengthen the group's research and education capabilities.

"We may be leaders today, but when the time comes, the younger ones should have the opportunity to move up while we step down and continue to provide guidance and mentorship," said Prof Chee.

He will be appointed NHG's first Senior Advisor under a new NHG Board of Advisors Scheme.

In his capacity as TTSH chief executive, the new group head Prof Choo helped to build up TTSH's geriatric facilities - including a new geriatric medicine centre that opened last July.

He will be succeeded Dr Eugene Soh, who is currently the hospital's chief operating officer.