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The Department of Health's (DH) investigation into a suspected case of syrup medicine containing isopropyl alcohol involving a private doctor in Tuen Mun has so far revealed that the doctor concerned had dispensed a transparent syrup (Terbutaline) for shortness of breath to six patients since March 21 this year.
A DH spokesman said today (April 22) that DH had successfully contacted the six patients. Of these patients, only the three-year-old girl who sought medical consultation at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on April 20 reported to have symptoms of throat irritation after taking the syrup. The symptoms have subsided already.
DH has provided health advice to all of them.
DH has seized 17 bottles of the syrup which were claimed or labeled as "Terbutaline" from the clinic concerned. The syrup would be tested by the Government Laboratory to ascertain if they contained Isopropyl alcohol.
Test conducted by the Toxicology Reference Laboratory of Princess Margaret Hospital found on April 21 the syrup medicine taken by the three-year-old girl contained Isopropyl alcohol.
Up to 12pm today, the hotline 2125 1133 set up by DH has received a total of five calls from the members of the public. None of them were reported to have received the dispensed syrup from the doctor concerned.
Ends/Sunday, April 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:02
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