TNAG-1606-FCO40-22121-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 108

certificate of registration. The Administration thus assure us that in future during the process of registration, steps will be taken to require information regarding possible contra-indications and side-effects to be specified on the

label or leaflet attached to a medicine.

Although such a measure is one possible way to achieve our aim and deregistration or refusal to register may be a more severe penalty than a fine, its success depends

largely upon efficient administration. Members of the Ad Hoc

Group tend to feel that a direct legal requirement to include such information is a better safeguard than indirect

administrative enforcement.

I would therefore urge the Administration to monitor this proposed measure closely. Should it be found not to be working satisfactorily, further amendments to the regulations must then be made. In the meantime, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board may also consider other possible ways to improve the legislation in this respect.

Lastly, I would suggest that trained pharmacists with a knowledge of drugs and poisons, play an important role in dispensing the correct prescription for the patient. Not only is it likely that they will be able to interpret the doctors' writing but they will also have the knowledge and expertise to double check the correctness of prescription. I therefore take this opportunity to draw to the attention of the public the advantages of using those dispensaries which have a qualified pharmacist in attendance.

Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.

0785M