Shop providing RGA hair growth service suspected of operating unlicensed day procedure centre and possessing unregistered pharmaceutical product or Part 1 poison
The Department of Health (DH) today (February 12) announced that a shop in Mongkok, operating without a day procedure centre (DPC) licence, is suspected of illegally performing autologous cell transplant and platelet-rich plasma injections. This contravenes the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633) (the Ordinance) which prohibits operating a DPC without a licence.
Earlier, the DH received intelligence that a shop at Langham Place Office Tower, 8 Argyle Street, Mongkok, was promoting Regenera Activa (RGA) procedures, claiming that autologous cell injections into the scalp could stimulate hair growth. According to DH's records, the shop did not hold a DPC licence but was suspected of conducting related business. The DH, together with the Police, conducted a joint enforcement operation yesterday (February 11).
During the operation, devices and equipment used for RGA procedures and platelet-rich plasma processing and injections, as well as relevant records, were seized. The DH also seized 24 boxes of controlled drugs suspected to contain "Tirzepatide", which is a Part 1 poison and a prescription drug under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The product is alsosuspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.The shop is therefore suspected of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons.
In addition, doctors practising at the shop are suspected of performing high-risk medical procedures in premises without appropriate licence, therefore failing to act in patients' best interest when providing medical care. The DH has referred the case to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for follow-up.
The DH's investigation is ongoing. Appropriate actions will be taken against the shop and its responsible persons based on the evidence collected.
The RGA procedure offered by the shop involves autologous transplantation. Under the Ordinance, transplantation of any cells, tissues or organs, including autograft, allograft, xenograft, processed tissue or blood products (such as platelet-rich plasma) and skin flap, are scheduled medical procedures. Such procedures, when performed in an ambulatory setting, must take place in a licensed DPC. Any person operating a DPC without a licence commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Furthermore, under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons constitutes a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
The DH reminded business operators that premises providing medical procedures, including RGA or platelet-rich plasma injection, must obtain a DPC licence under the Ordinance. To assist the public in identifying licensed or exempted facilities, the DH has established the Private Healthcare Facilities Register, which lists all private healthcare facilities with valid licences and exemptions. DPCs must display their licence in a conspicuous place. Each licence bears a QR code that can be scanned using the eHealth app to verify its validity. For more information, please visit the DH's Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities webpage.
The Department of Health (DH), Photo source: reference image
