Categorisation of Health Products

Question 1

“poison” in Poisons Act

Answer 1

• substances specified in the Poisons List (in the Schedule) are deemed to be poisons within the meaning of this Act
• can be prepared artificially or naturally

Question 2

“medicinal product” in Medicines Act

Answer 2

• means any substance or article… which is manufactured, sold, supplied, imported or exported for use… for a medicinal purpose :
  1. treat or prevent disease
  2. diagnose or ascertain physiological condition
  3. contraception
  4. inducing anaesthesia
  5. others

Question 3

‘subset’ of medicinal products in Medicines Act

Answer 3

• CPM
• traditional medicines
• quasi-medicinal product
• medicated oil / balm
• homoeopathic medicines

Question 4

“health product” in Health Products Act

Answer 4

• means any substance, preparation or device that (is for use by humans) solely or principally for a health-related purpose
• falls within any of the 5 categories of health products specified in the 1st schedule
  1. Therapeutic products
  2. Medical devices
  3. CTGT
  4. Cosmetic products
  5. Oral dental gums

Question 5

Exemptions of these group of health products from Poisons Act

Answer 5

1. medical devices
2. therapeutic products
3. CTGT
   they are already regulated under HPA

Question 6

Exemptions of these group of health products from Medicines Act

Answer 6

• listed in Subsidiary Legislation :
  Medicines (Cessation of Application ___) Orders
  eg Medical devices, therapeutic products, cosmetic products, oral dental gums
• traditional medicines, homoeopathic medicines and other substances

Question 7

What kind of health product is vaccines

Answer 7

Therapeutic products under HPA

Question 8

Traditional medicines vs Chinese Proprietary Medicines (CPM)

Answer 8

• traditional medicines are natural and not processed into dosage units
• CPM are manufactured into finished product