Health assurance: Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow announces the revamp of the medicine regulation system to ensure drug safety in Hong Kong.

The Food & Health Bureau, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority will revamp the medicine regulation system to ensure drug safety in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow gave this assurance today in the wake of the recent drug incidents which have aroused public concern.

He said the department will inspect all 25 local pharmaceutical companies this week, increase inspections and strengthen communication with the trade.

The department has written to all importers, wholesalers and drug manufacturing companies to ensure they understand their responsibilities and the legal requirements on ensuring the drugs produced, imported or sold are safe and effective.

The authority will review the procurement process and will inspect and audit all drugs and consumables in hospitals and clinics to check their validity and quality within this week to prevent any recurrence of drug incidents. It will also instruct all staff to increase vigilance and sensitivity on drug labelling and usage.

Review committee

Dr Chow said the Food & Health Bureau is forming a committee to review the regulatory mechanism of medicine and drugs.

It will study how to guarantee the integrity and code of practice of the trade, and examine the need for law changes to elevate the level of drug regulation in Hong Kong. The review will take up to nine months.

"I think it is important to address [any problem] as soon as possible, correct it and try to take advantage of this opportunity to update our system so we can match the international standard," Dr Chow said, adding not only the public sector but private hospitals, doctors and pharmacies will also be reviewed.

Hospital incidents

Hospital Authority Director (Cluster Services) Dr Cheung Wai-lun said the dispensation of expired cough medicine by the Yaumatei Jockey Club General Out-patient Clinic was caused by human error and action will be taken.

On the case concerning the water for injections, Dr Cheung said hospitals have stopped using the products in question and the manufacturer has been asked to submit a report.

The authority has also met with pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy representatives, and will continue dialogue with various trades including manufacturers, importers and wholesalers to ensure drug safety.