The Department of Health (DH) today (September 19) continued to follow up on the incident involving two individuals who presented with suspected septic shock after receiving intravenous infusions at a premises called "Bioscor Hong Kong" in Central. The DH instructed the person-in-charge of the company to immediately cease providing such high-risk medical services, and to contact its consumers who recently received intravenous infusions at the premises to follow up on their health conditions. The DH has notified the Hospital Authority to alert its Accident and Emergency Departments to be vigilant for related cases. Private hospitals have also been informed to report any suspected cases to the DH. To date, no other serious cases related to receiving intravenous infusions have been received.

     The DH's investigation is ongoing, including determining the cause of the serious reactions in the two individuals and the source of the intravenous infusion products. The DH will continue to liaise with the police and take appropriate follow-up actions.

     According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance), products containing Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) as the active ingredient and for human parenteral administration are classified as pharmaceutical products. Such products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold or supplied in Hong Kong. NMN is also classified as a Part 1 Schedule 3 poisons (i.e. prescription drugs), which should be used under a doctor's directions and be supplied in the premises of an Authorised Seller of Poisons (i.e. a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription.

     According to the Ordinance, illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     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. Any persons who are not registered medical practitioners/registered dentists should refrain from performing the aforementioned procedures. Non-compliance may render oneself liable for offences under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161) or the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156).

     In terms of public education, the DH has provided information on its website and social media platforms to help the public distinguish between medical procedures and other services. The information specified which procedures should only be performed by registered medical practitioners or registered dentists. It also reminded the public to understand the details, potential risks and possible complications, and to consult registered medical practitioner or registered dentist before receiving medical procedures.

     In addition, the DH sent letters to registered medical practitioners, reminding them that when performing relevant procedures within their scope of professional practice, they must ensure that the drugs provided comply with statutory registration requirements and strictly adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct issued by the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

     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 the professional qualifications and relevant credentials of the person who performs the injection before receiving it. Members of the public should pay heed to the following health advice before receiving any injection procedures:
 

• Receive a medical consultation to 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.

Ends/Friday, September 19, 2025
Issued at HKT 21:41

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