Medical pact: State Food & Drug Administration Commissioner Shao Mingli and Director of Health Dr PY Lam sign an agreement to enhance co-operation and communication on the control of drugs and medical devices.

The Department of Health and the Mainland's State Food & Drug Administration have signed an agreement to enhance co-operation and communication on the control of drugs and medical devices.

Speaking at the signing ceremony today, Director of Health Dr PY Lam said the agreement will enhance regulatory control on drugs and medical devices between the two places.

Noting the public have high expectations for the safety, quality and efficacy of Western medicines, Chinese medicines and medical devices, he said the agreement will broaden the scope of co-operation in the interest of public health.

The agreement covers a wide scope of regulatory collaborations, including:

* strengthening of exchanges on systems and regulation of drugs and medical devices, registration and safety information, Good Manufacturing Practice;

* personnel training;

* enhanced co-operation over regulation of Chinese medicines; and,

* better communication and co-operation on the monitoring of clinical trials on Western and Chinese medicines.

The two sides also took the opportunity to set up a high-level exchange mechanism. Expert working meetings will also be held when needed.