TNAG-1449-FCO40-1953-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 19

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(2)

that the main business of listed sellers in the

selling of medicine for minor ailments over the

counter would not be affected;

(3) that there are some 569 pharmacists but only 167

authorized sellers of poisons, the supply of

qualified pharmacists is not a problem if listed sellers apply to become authorized sellers. This is in fact positively encouraged;

lastly,

(4)

and

that any drop in the illegal sale of Part I poisons by listed sellers of poisons in fact

meets the object of this Bill.

On the possible anomaly that drugs not on the poisons list could not be purchased from a listed seller with a doctor's prescription but could be, without a doctor's prescription, the reply was that the protection that the public would receive from the professional service of pharmacists in authorized sellers is of prime importance and far outweigh any minor inconvenience which may arise.

I agree with the essence of the Bill that in tightening control on the sales of drugs, the public are encouraged to purchase drugs from authorized sellers who engage pharmacists. The training and professionalism of pharmacists is a guarantee that prescriptions dispensed (or drugs purchased over the counter) would be accurate and safe insofar as the

Their type, brand, dosage and life of the drugs are concerned. expert advice would be invaluable to those who incline towards self-medication and risk their health.

Sir, I see this Bill as one the many to come aimed at improving consumer protections through legislation. therefore support this Bill before Council.

I

0501S