The Hong Kong government will review existing regulations for a better pharmaceutical system, said Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health York Chow on Wednesday.

Chow Wednesday told lawmakers at the Legislative Council that in light of the problems reflected in recent drug incidents, Hong Kong's Food and Health Bureau, Department of Health and the Hospital Authority will take comprehensive measures to improve the pharmaceutical system.

"The most important task ahead is to restore public confidence in the supply and regulatory system of pharmaceutical products," Chow said.

The government will review existing Good Manufacturing Practices and introduce risk assessment principles and microbiology testing to reduce the chance of microbial contamination of drugs.

Meanwhile, the authority has stopped prescribing the affected drugs -- allopurinol and metformin and arranged replacements.

Chow also told that the committee reviewing the regulation and control of pharmaceutical products set up by the government earlier in respond to the drug incidents will hold its first meeting this month.

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2009)