23 Apr 2009
Public health officers from the Department of Health (DH) today (April 23) met with 25 representatives of local pharmaceutical manufacturers to remind them to strictly observe the Good Manufacturer Practices (GMP) to ensure patient safety and restore public confidence.
Speaking at the meeting, the Assistant Director of Health, Dr Heston Kwong reiterated that drug manufacturers should ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of their products.
Dr Kwong asked the representatives to check in the coming one month the production records of all their products manufactured since 2006 to identify potential threat to drug users.
"They should identify the risks of their products as regards the hazards inherent in the production.
"According to the severity of the hazards, they should conduct whatever tests appropriate, e.g microbial tests, on samples of the products which put out in the market since 2006.
"All existing stocks in their plants must undergo micro-biological test before releasing to the market," Dr Kwong said.
The manufacturers were required to keep records of the findings and notify DH on those with public health significance. The review exercise would be completed on May 31, he noted.
"We will closely monitor the review exercise and keep public informed about any findings that may affect public health," Dr Kwong said.
Meanwhile, DH would step up inspection to all the 25 local manufacturers with emphasis on the licensees' diligence in assuring the safety, efficacy and quality of their products, particularly the identification and control of microbiological hazards, Dr Kwong said.