Health Dept Raids Seven Premises Over Unregistered HK$120,000 'Cancer Vaccine'
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
The Department of Health launched an investigation into the Hong Kong Pacific Asia Medical Centre after reports emerged in July that the facility was promoting a WT1 vaccine claiming to prevent more than 20 types of cancer for HK$120,000. Officials conducted unannounced inspections, including raids on seven premises across Hong Kong and Kowloon on Monday, discovering that the vaccine is not registered with any drug regulator in Hong Kong, mainland China, or overseas.
Key Points
- The DH received complaints in July about the centre and its affiliates advertising the WT1 vaccine on social media platforms
- The vaccine allegedly prevents over 20 cancer types and was being sold for HK$120,000 per course
- Seven premises in Hong Kong and Kowloon were searched simultaneously on Monday during the unannounced inspections
- The case has been referred to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for potential professional misconduct and to Customs for suspected illegal importation
- Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products carries a maximum penalty of HK$100,000 and two years' imprisonment
Why It Matters
This case highlights the ongoing risk to Hong Kong residents from unverified medical treatments that exploit vulnerable patients seeking cancer prevention, and sets a precedent for regulatory enforcement against health centres making unsubstantiated therapeutic claims .
This case highlights the ongoing risk to Hong Kong residents from unverified medical treatments that exploit vulnerable patients seeking cancer prevention, and sets a precedent for regulatory enforcement against health centres making unsubstantiated therapeutic claims .