IMPORTATION OF VIAGRA

Mr Shriniwas Rai asked the Minister for Health whether the Government will study the potency of Viagra before allowing it to be imported to Singapore as it may have long-term health and social implications.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: As Viagra is a new drug, the Ministry of Health is conducting a comprehensive evaluation to review the safety, quality and efficacy of the drug for registration in Singapore.

The evaluation will take into consideration all scientific and clinical data submitted, including information available from other established drug regulatory agencies. The evaluation will also consider the clinical applicability of the drug to our local population and the benefits of the drug versus its potential side effects.

The Ministry will also take into consideration the views of local clinical experts and that of the Medicines Advisory Committee, an expert committee appointed under the Medicines Act to advise the Ministry on registration of drugs for use in Singapore.