HA implements further enhancement for drug dispensing service
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The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (June 27) that the drug dispensing arrangement will have a further enhancement. Selected medications prescribed for "as needed" use will be dispensed with a maximum of eight weeks' supply, effective from July 3. The selected medications under the new measure are mainly for symptomatic relief of episodic illnesses including laxatives, medications to loosen sputum, topical preparations for bruises and pain (see attachment for details).
The Chief Pharmacist of the HA, Mr William Chui, expressed hope that the new arrangement will further reduce medication wastage. "Many patients may stockpile medications at home, particularly medications to be used 'as needed'. The selected medications under this new measure are prone to overstocking and wastage. We hope that this new arrangement will reduce medication stockpiling and avoid wastage, leading to more efficient use of medication resources," he said.
The HA has already launched the first phase of New Arrangement for Drug Dispensing Service, where patients will be dispensed with a maximum of 24 weeks' medication at a time. Drug refills will be arranged for prescriptions exceeding 24 weeks. Under this second phase of the new measures, the list of selected "as needed" medications will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. The public can visit the HA website for the latest details on the new arrangement for the drug dispensing service.
Ends/Friday, June 27, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:58
Issued at HKT 14:58
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