ENG-2013 — Page 192

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Health

Chinese medicines traders (including 11 holding Certificate for Manufacturer), and 8,650 proprietary Chinese medicines had obtained transitional registration status, and 375 proprietary Chinese medicines had been issued with 'Certificate of registration of proprietary Chinese medicine!

Since December 2011, registered products must have the relevant registration number affixed. Their labels and package inserts should also comply with the relevant requirements.

Under the Chinese Medicine Ordinance, an application can be made to the CMCHK's Chinese Medicine Board for a certificate for the purpose of conducting a clinical trial or medicinal test of any proprietary Chinese medicine.

To promote the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, the government established the Chinese Medicine Development Committee (CMDC) in February 2013 to study four major areas: the development of Chinese medicine services, professional personnel training and professional development, research and development and development of the Chinese medicines industry (including Chinese medicines testing). The CMDC is chaired by the Secretary for Food and Health, and comprises representatives from the Chinese medicine practice, the Chinese medicines trade, the research and development, testing and healthcare sectors, academia, and lay persons.

Human Organ Transplant

The Human Organ Transplant Ordinance (HOTO) regulates the transplant of human organs and importation of human organs for transplant purposes, and prohibits commercial dealings in human organs intended for transplant. Approval from the statutory Human Organ Transplant Board (HOTB) is required for transplantation of human organs between living persons who are not genetically related or a couple whose marriage has subsisted for not more than three years. The HOTB also collects information about transplant operations conducted in Hong Kong. In 2013, the HOTB received a total of 16 applications for organ transplants between living non- related persons and 54 human organs were imported into Hong Kong for transplant purposes.

Applications can be made to the DH for exemption from the HOTO of certain commercial products made from human tissue that have been subjected to processing, enabling patients with a genuine medical need for a transplant to benefit from the use of these products. As at the end of 2013, the HOTB had received 28 applications for exemption and approved 20 products.

Human Reproductive Technology

Activities using human reproductive technology are regulated to ensure the procedures are conducted in a safe and informed manner, and to safeguard the welfare of children born. through the technology. The Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance confines the application of human reproductive technology procedures to infertile married couples, regulates surrogacy arrangements and the use of embryos and gametes for research and other purposes, and prohibits commercial dealings in embryos or gametes and the use of donated gametes in surrogacy arrangements. Reproductive technology service providers and embryo researchers who wish to conduct relevant activities under the ordinance must apply for a

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