Gov’t cracks down on suspected resale of hospital medicines

The case involves Lactulose, a medicine classified as a “non-poison”.

The government is investigating the suspected resale of public hospital medicines on online platforms. 

Initial reports indicate that the case involves Lactulose, a medicine classified as a “non-poison” under the Pharmacy & Poisons Regulations. As such, it does not require a prescription or pharmacist supervision.

Under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must meet specific safety, efficacy, and quality standards and be registered with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong before distribution. Medicines classified as Part 1 poisons must be sold exclusively by pharmacies under the oversight of registered pharmacists.

Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offense, punishable by fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.

The Department of Health and the Hospital Authority are working together on the probe and assured swift enforcement action. Officials have also highlighted that the department employs a robust monitoring system for health and pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong.

From 2020 to June 2024, the department's Drug Office handled 209 cases involving the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons. It also engages in public education efforts, distributing materials such as “General Knowledge on the Use of Medicines” and “Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on the Internet” to caution the public against purchasing products from dubious sources.