16 Mar 2009
In response to media enquiries on the supply of metformin tablets (a kind of diabetic drug) to the Hospital Authority (HA) by Christo Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Christo), a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (March 16) said part of the pharmaceutical product concerned had yet to be registered by DH.
The spokesman said the case involved a total of 38,000 metformin tablets which were provided to HA last week. Among these drugs, 13,000 tablets in 1000-tablet package were registered in Hong Kong. The drugs were manufactured and packed by Christo in Punyu.
The remaining 25,000 tablets in 500-tablet package were also manufactured and packed by Christo in Punyu but has yet to be registered in Hong Kong.
DH's investigation is ongoing.
The spokesman said sale of unregistered pharmaceutical product was an offence under the Pharmacy and Poison Ordinance. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$100,000 and 2 years' imprisonment.