Correctional Services Department Celebrates Graduation of 87 Students from Ethics College Programs at Pak Sha Wan Institution.

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held the third graduation ceremony of the Ethics College at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution today (August 5) to present graduation certificates to persons in custody (PICs) who have completed the Diploma of Applied Education and Associate of General Studies programmes.

This year, 14 PIC students, including 12 male PICs from Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and two female PICs from Lo Wu Correctional Institution, have successfully completed the inaugural Associate of General Studies programme. Additionally, a total of 73 PIC students, including 58 male PICs from Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and 15 female PICs from Lo Wu Correctional Institution, have successfully completed the Diploma of Applied Education programme this year.

At the graduation ceremony, the Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), Mr Henry Tong, said that since the establishment of the Ethics College in 2023, the HKMU has always valued its co-operation with the CSD and the Ethics College, and has maintained close collaboration with the CSD to provide PICs with suitable programmes. Mr Tong added that it was encouraging to learn that among the 14 graduates who have successfully completed the inaugural Associate of General Studies programme, some of them have attained Grade A, marking an important milestone for the Ethics College.

Mr Tong said, "Knowledge cannot change the past, but it can help PICs better prepare for future. I hope that through the programmes offered by the Ethics College, graduates can return to society and start a new journey in life."

At the ceremony, an ensemble of sheng performance was staged by PICs, followed by a music performance delivered by a band composed of PICs to express gratitude to correctional officers, tutors and their family members for their support in the course of their rehabilitation. In the sharing session, a PIC expressed thankfulness to correctional officers and tutors for their unwavering support and guidance, and to his family members for their unwavering love and encouragement, enabling him to regain his resolve, commit to his studies and successfully complete the programme.

The CSD established the Ethics College at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and Lo Wu Correctional Institution in 2023, providing a one-year full-time Diploma of Applied Education programme for adult PICs on voluntary basis. From 2024, the Ethics College has started to provide PICs who have obtained the Diploma of Applied Education with a two-year full-time Associate of General Studies programme in a distance learning mode. Additionally, a half-day part-time Associate of General Studies programme and half-day vocational training are offered by the Ethics College at Pik Uk Prison for Diploma of Applied Education programme graduates who are unable to complete the associate degree programme during the remainder of their sentences.

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ethics College holds third graduation ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) conducted operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, a man was arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).

The DH received a report that pain relief medicine classified as Part 1 poisons under the Ordinance were being sold or possessed on the market. However, the products were labelled in Japanese and were suspected of not being registered in Hong Kong. Hence, the DH officers today conducted unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long. At an Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP), commonly known as a pharmacy, a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) commonly known as a medicine company and two retail outlets, DH officers seized approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product Registration Number. They are suspected to be medicine containing "Ibuprofen" and "dihydrocodeine". A 38-year-old man was arrested by the police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including, illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons.

The DH will continue to investigate and follow-up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.

The DH has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

The DH strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not self-purchase or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources as their safety, quality and efficacy are unguaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.

DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases