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A pharmacy in Hung Hom was raided today (February 6) in a joint operation by the Department of Health (DH) and the Police for illegal sale of an antibiotic.
Upon the investigation of a public complaint, the pharmacy was found to be selling an antibiotic, namely Cephalexin 250mg, without a doctor's prescription. During the operation, a 30-year-old salesman at the pharmacy was arrested.
The DH's investigation is continuing.
Cephalexin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It should only be used under the advice of a doctor. The product can only be supplied at pharmacies upon a doctor's prescription, by a registered pharmacist or under his or her supervision. According to the Antibiotics Ordinance (Cap 137), illegal sale of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $30,000 and one year's imprisonment.
"Members of the public should only take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor and follow the health professionals' instructions. Inappropriate and irrational use of antibiotics provides favourable conditions for resistant microorganisms to emerge and spread," a DH spokesperson said.
Ends/Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:42
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