Hong Kong authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that public-hospital medications are being resold online, and cautioned residents against purchasing pharmaceuticals from unknown sources.
The incident raised widespread public and governmental concern after a social media post reported the questionable origins of a medication being sold on the HKTVmall e-commerce platform.
The drug in question — lactulose, used to treat constipation — is not subject to prescription control nor pharmacist supervision, according to the Poisons List of the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations. However, the online post revealed that the medication bottle had another patient’s name on it, along with notes showing it was prescribed at Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital.
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An investigation by the Hospital Authority confirmed that the medication was prescribed by a doctor upon a patient’s discharge in 2023. The patient involved has been contacted as part of the ongoing investigation.
A Hospital Authority spokesperson said the agency has strict procedures in place to handle and dispose of unused drugs, including those that have expired or that are unclaimed by patients. It condemns the activities of deliberately reselling patients’ drugs for profit.
Any illegal activity will be taken seriously and referred to law enforcement agencies for further probing, the spokesperson said.
The Hospital Authority urged merchants not to sell drugs from unknown sources and to report any suspicions they may have to law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
“The public should not buy drugs from unknown sources. Apart from the possibility of violating the law, the quality of the drugs is not guaranteed and may have adverse health effects,” the spokesperson said.
The HKTVmall, in response, said it had removed the shop in question from its platform. The online marketplace reiterated its policy that sellers must provide valid proof of supply, and warned of potential disciplinary measures and legal consequences for noncompliance.
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During a Wednesday radio broadcast, local pharmacist So Yiu-wah said that the lengthy waiting times for follow-up appointments in public hospitals might have led to patients receiving multiple months’ worth of medication at once. To reduce drug hoarding and waste, he recommended shortening such waiting periods in public hospitals, or directing patients to collect subsequent medications at community pharmacies or district health centers.
Under the city’s Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products is a criminal offense, carrying a fine of up to HK$100,000 ($12,840) and up to two years’ imprisonment.
Since 2020, the Drug Office of the Department of Health has handled 209 conviction cases on this matter, with the highest penalty of 10 months of prison or a HK$100,000 fine.
