February 16, 2001
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 16) said a woman and a girl who had taken a "homemade" herbal pill "Bao Ning Dan" purportedly prescribed by a Chinese medicine practitioner in Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, were still in hospital for treatment of lead intoxication and were in stable condition.
The two telephoned DH for assessment and blood tests earlier this (February) month and were subsequently referred to hospital.
During the 24-hour period ending at 3 pm today (February 16), DH had received four telephone calls, bringing the total number of calls received to 498.
The total number of callers who had been referred to DH's Regional Offices for assessment and blood tests was 96.
Starting from tomorrow (February 17) DH's Pharmaceutical Service Hotline 2572 2068 will handle calls from the public during office hours from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. Telephone recording will be available during lunchtime and after office hours and on Sundays.