The Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) announced that two individuals presented with septic shock after receiving intravenous infusions at a premises called "Bioscor Hong Kong" in Central. Both of them were hospitalised and are currently in stable condition. The DH urged individuals who received injections at this premises to seek immediate medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Departments (AED) of public hospitals if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness or vomiting.
      
     The premises in question is located in Room 2301, Crawford House, 70 Queens Road Central, Central. Its website claims the premises offers hair care, beauty treatments, skincare, "body prettifying" and intravenous injections.
      
     A preliminary investigation revealed that two 57-year-old females visited the premises yesterday (September 17) to receive intravenous infusions, purportedly containing Nicotinamide Mononucleotide. Both women developed chills shortly after the infusion, followed by fever and vomiting. They sought medical attention at Queen Mary Hospital and Canossa Hospital (Caritas) respectively. Their clinical diagnosis was septic shock. They are in stable condition after treatment and remain hospitalised.
      
     The staff members of the DH and the Police conducted an investigation at the premises. Three persons suspected of illegal practice of medicine were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.  
      
     The DH urged individuals who have received intravenous infusions at this premises to seek immediate medical attention at AED of public hospitals if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness or vomiting.
      
     In November 2013, the Steering Committee on Review of Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities set up by the Government endorsed the report submitted by its Working Group on Differentiation between Medical Procedures and Beauty Services. The report recommended that certain procedures, in view of their inherent risks, should only be performed by registered medical practitioners/registered dentists, namely procedures that involve injections, procedures that involve the mechanical or chemical exfoliation of the skin below the epidermis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and dental bleaching.
      
     In response to the Steering Committee's recommendations, the Government promptly issued an advisory note to the industry, advising them to refrain from performing the aforementioned procedures if they are not themselves registered medical practitioners/registered dentists. Non-compliance may render oneself liable for offences under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161) or the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156). The DH has also issued letters to registered medical practitioners and registered dentists, reminding them to strictly observe the Code of Professional Conduct issued by their respective Council when performing relevant procedures within their scope of practice.
      
     Furthermore, the DH reminded members of the public that any injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should ascertain the doctor's full name, verify their registration on the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, inquire about their professional qualifications and relevant credentials. The DH also urged the public to pay heed to the following health advice before receiving any injection procedures:
 
•  Understand the details of the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving the injections. Consult with the doctor to make an informed decision;
•  Refrain from receiving injections from unidentified sources as their quality and efficacy cannot be guaranteed;
•  Do not receive an injection if you have a history of allergy to the injection or if the intended injection site is infected or inflamed;
•  Request the full name of the doctor in writing if you are referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure. Verify the doctor's professional qualifications and credentials; and
•  Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as a fever or feel unwell.
 
     According to section 28 of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap 161) (MRO), subject to the provision of section 28(3) of the MRO, if any person who is not being registered or provisionally registered or exempted from registration practises medicine or surgery, or does any medical diagnosis, prescribes any medical treatment or performs any medical treatment (including surgery) in relation to a person which results in personal injury to that person, he commits an offence. The offender will be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for three years, or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Members of the public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information.​

Ends/Thursday, September 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 23:04

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