-
20 -
Reply:
Mr President.
(a) Restricting the quantities of various types of psychotropic drugs which medical practitioners are allowed to store is one of the proposals being considered by a Working Group under the Hong Kong Medical Council. The Working Group was convened to consider amendments to the Professional Code and Conduct to tighten the control on the use of psychotropic drugs by medical practitioners. It is expected to put forward its recommendations to the Medical Council by early 1996.
(b) At present, suppliers of psychotropic drugs are required to provide information to the Department of Health about the quantities of these drugs purchased by medical practitioners. Those medical practitioners with high utilisation are asked to submit statistics and information on their use. Based on such information, the Department of Health can initiate investigation into cases suspected of inappropriate
use.
(c) We have increased, with effect from 1 September 1995, the maximum penalty levels stipulated in the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance for offences including the illegal sale of drugs, from a fine of $30,000 and imprisonment of one year to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment of two years. We are now considering proposing an increase, possibly of a larger magnitude, in the level of penalty for contravention of the requirements to keep proper records on the acquisition and supply of dangerous drugs, as stipulated in the Dangerous Drugs Regulations. This will increase the deterrent effect and combat possible abuses in the supply and prescription of psychotropic drugs by medical practitioners.
End/Wednesday, November 8, 1995
Police deployment on public gatherings
Following is a question by the Hon Tsang Kin-shing and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Page 50Page 51