The Review Committee on Regulation of Pharmaceutical Products in Hong Kong has agreed to form two subcommittees on drug manufacturing, and drug distribution and procurement at its first meeting today.

It has also agreed on a work plan and will come up with recommendations at the end of this year.

Chairing the committee, Permanent Secretary for Food & Health (Health) Sandra Lee said major issues to be considered by the two subcommittees include the updating of the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) scheme, enhancement of pharmacovigilance in drug manufacturing, strengthening of the pharmaceutical sector's governance and internal audit system.

The subcommittees will also discuss regulatory control of drug distribution, updating of licensing requirements and the penalty system, procurement and supply of drugs in the public and private healthcare sectors, and training and education of those in the trade.

The Task Force chaired by the Director of Health will make proposals on the updating of the GMP scheme and on the enhancement of pharmacovigilance in Hong Kong.

Members also welcomed the engagement of an overseas expert to review the GMP scheme and to make reference to the experience of overseas regulatory authorities.