Strengthening monitoring systems to prevent abuse of prescription drugs

Dr Choo Pei Ling: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs how will the Ministry work with the Ministry of Health to (i) strengthen the monitoring systems to prevent abuse of prescription drugs (ii) expand prescription drug addicts’ rehabilitation and support services and (iii) enhance inter-ministry coordination, including public education efforts, to address any emerging trends in prescription drug abuse.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) oversee registered health products which include prescription drugs. All prescription medicines require approval by HSA before they can be legally supplied in Singapore and companies licensed to import or distribute prescription medicines are regularly audited.

2. There are multi-agency enforcement operations to curb the illegal import, manufacture and/or supply of unregistered health products in Singapore, including prescription drugs and illicitly manufactured cough syrup. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) share information and work closely with HSA to strengthen investigation and enforcement against such activities through multi-agency joint operations. For example, SPF refers to HSA any cases of unregistered health products that are detected during Police operations and subsequent investigations. ICA also works closely with HSA to detect and disrupt illegal imports of health products at the Checkpoints. Such operations are publicised where appropriate, to enhance public education and deterrence.

3. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is not involved in the provision of rehabilitation and support services for prescription drug addicts. Our efforts are focused on supporting abusers of controlled drugs.