24 May 2010
An agreement was signed today (May 24) between the Mainland's State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) and the HKSARG's Department of Health to enhance cooperation and communication on the control of drugs and medical devices.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr PY Lam, said the agreement would go far in enhancing the regulatory control on drugs and medical devices between the two places through cooperation.
Dr Lam said the public have high expectations for safety, quality and efficacy of western medicines, Chinese medicines and medical devices.
"The agreement will broaden the scope of cooperation in the interest of public health," he said.
The agreement is signed by Dr Lam and SFDA Commissioner Shao Mingli in Hong Kong.
A wide scope of regulatory collaborations is covered by the agreement including strengthening of exchanges on systems and regulation of drugs and medical devices, registration and safety information, Good Manufacturing Practice; training of personnel; enhanced cooperation over regulation of Chinese medicines; and better communication and cooperation on the monitoring of clinical trials on western and Chinese medicines.
The opportunity was also taken to set up a high-level exchange mechanism with top officials. Expert working meetings will also be held on need basis.