Two hospitalized after septic shock from IV infusions at Hong Kong beauty clinic; public urged to seek medical help.

DH investigates incident in which two individuals presented with septic shock after receiving intravenous infusions at premises

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 thedifferentiation between medical procedures and beauty servicesand theDrug Databaseof the Drug Officefor more information.​

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette, with a total estimated market value of about $1.4 million. A man was arrested.

A 61-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 2.25 kg of suspected heroin in his check-in suitcase, and four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on backpack. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of Part 1 poison, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 11).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases