DH combats illegal pharmacies

Enforcement actions against the illegal use of pharmacy logos and titles will be enhanced during the Lunar New Year holidays, the Department of Health announced on Monday.

DH reminded the public and travelers to verify the pharmacy logo in the prescribed form when purchasing medicines.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any non-registered pharmacy displaying a logo in the prescribed form or a similar logo, or using the terms “pharmacy” in English or Chinese for any business selling poisons commits an offense, with a maximum penalty of HK$100,000 and two years imprisonment.

The DH noted that six limited companies and a retail store owner were fined from HK$2,000 to HK$16,800 last year for violating the regulations.

(Cheng Wong)