HEALTH authorities are assembling a task force to stamp out ''under-the-counter'' sales of dangerous and restricted drugs.
Government doctors and pharmacists plan a three-pronged attack on the illicit trade, with the launching of the task force, a bilingual telephone hotline similar to the AIDS line launched last year, and a campaign on television, in schools and pharmacies.
The hotline strategy urges the public to report pharmacies which illegally sell tranquillisers, antibiotics, psychotropics and other restricted drugs without a prescription.
Pharmacists could face maximum fines of $30,000 and a 12-month jail term for selling common antibiotics without prescription.
''Anyone who knows where there are drug stores selling drugs without prescriptions can call and report them,'' said Hong Kong Medical Association spokesman Dr So Kai-ming.
Another telephone line will tell callers of the benefits and dangers of various drugs. Patients will be able to hear advice on different illnesses by pressing different digits on their telephones.
''If a person suffers from hypertension, we'll give information on hypertension drugs. If they suffer from heart disease, we'll give advice on heart drugs,'' a Health Department spokesman said.