DH initiates process to cancel licence of day procedure centre
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During the DH's routine inspection at the concerned DPC, suspected use of unlicensed X-ray machine and unregistered injectable pharmaceutical products were revealed. The DPC was also found to have contravened licence condition and the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centre under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633).
In view of the foregoing, the DH had initiated the process to cancel the DPC licence yesterday (November 24). The concerned X-ray machine has been marked and sealed, while no unregistered pharmaceutical product was present in the premises.
In accordance with sections 28, 30 and 31 of the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance, DH has initiated the process for cancellation of licence for the DPC, and the licensee has been given a 14 days' notice and an opportunity to make representation within 10 days after the date of the notice given to the licensee before the licence is cancelled.
A spokesman for the DH stated that the department has always been monitoring the compliance of the licensed DPCs under the established mechanism. The DH has not received any reports of adverse events related to this DPC so far.
In parallel, follow-up actions along the line of suspected offences in relation to unlicensed X-ray machine and unregistered pharmaceutical products, and illegal practice of medicine are on-going.
Under the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303), possession or use of unlicenced X-ray machine constitutes an offence, the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 and two-year imprisonment.
According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A), illegal supply of unregistered pharmaceutical products is an offence, the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two-year imprisonment.
The DH will seek legal advice from the Department of Justice for prosecution matters upon completion of the investigation. Referral would be made to relevant enforcement agencies or authorities as appropriate.
Ends/Saturday, November 25, 2023
Issued at HKT 21:48
Issued at HKT 21:48
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