We thank Mr Samuel Ling Ying Hong for his feedback ("Look into sale of dubious health devices"; last Sunday).

A product is regulated as a medical device if it is intended for a medical diagnostic or therapeutic purpose.

Any product that is not a medical device should not be advertised for medical or therapeutic purposes. Any person or entity who falsely advertises as such shall be guilty of an offence under the Health Products Act.

Many of the electromagnetic/ electrotherapy products in the market are not designed to be medical devices in the first instance, as there is often no conclusive scientific evidence in published medical literature to show that such products have any therapeutic value.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will investigate and follow up with appropriate regulatory actions when it is alerted to false or misleading advertisements.

Members of the public are advised to seek medical advice from registered healthcare professionals if they suspect that they are suffering from diseases or ailments.

They are reminded to exercise prudence and be wary of products which make miraculous claims or purport to produce amazing cures or effects for medical conditions or general well-being.

Wong Woei Jiuang (Ms)

Director

Medical Device Branch

Health Sciences Authority