XN000022-1996-04-24 — Page 52

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Measures to ensure safe use of Chinese medicine

Following is a question by the Hon Michael Ho, and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

It is reported that recently some people have been admitted to hospitals for treatment of intoxication resulted from the taking of the Chinese medicine 'gwai kuo' (Podophyllotoxin) by mistake. As the formulation of legislation to regulate Chinese

herbal medicines is unlikely to be completed in the near future, will the Government inform this Council:

Reply:

(a)

(b)

(c)

of the total number of people admitted to hospitals for treatment of intoxication as a result of taking toxic Chinese medicines by mistake in the past three years;

of the number of fatalities in the cases referred to in (a) above; and

whether the Government will, before the enactment of the relevant legislation, consider requiring drug manufacturers to label toxic Chinese medicines as well as adopting other administrative measures to prevent people from taking such medicines by mistake?

(a)

(b)

From 1993 to 1995, two persons were admitted to hospitals for treatment of intoxication as a result of taking Chinese medicines by mistake. In February and March this year, 9 persons were admitted to hospitals as a result of taking "wai ling sin" contaminated by "gwai kou".

No fatality was recorded among poisoning cases caused by consumption of Chinese medicine in the past three years.

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