DH to adjust service fees and implement new arrangement for drug dispensing service starting January 1 next year
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Fee adjustments
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Under the established mechanism, the fees for clinical services provided by the DH are linked to the fees for similar or comparable services provided by the HA (such as consultation services at the Family Medicine Out-patient Services or Specialist Out-patient Services). This ensures consistency in fee levels for similar medical services across the entire public healthcare system.
In response to the previously announced fees and charges reform, which is set to take effect on January 1 next year, the DH will also adjust the fees for certain public services (see annex) at the same time. This primarily involves consultation fees and drug charges, with fee levels based on those for similar HA services.
New arrangement for drug dispensing service
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The DH will also optimise the arrangement of drug dispensing service starting from January 1 next year, with a view to reducing drug wastage, optimising the use of precious public healthcare resources, and preventing patients from stockpiling drugs which could lead to potential issues on the safe use of drugs. Starting from January 1, 2026, patients will receive a maximum supply of medication for 24 weeks after each consultation at DH clinics. Patients who have been prescribed more than 24 weeks of medication will be given the first 24 weeks' supply together with a "Refill Slip" when they pick up their medication. They can then collect the remaining medication at the same dispensary on a specified date. Each chargeable unit covers a duration of up to a four-week supply of a drug item.
At the same time, the DH will exercise discretion to provide more than a 24-week supply of medication in one go, taking into account the health conditions and circumstances of individual patients, such as elderly with mobility issues or wheelchair users etc.
When prescribing "as required" medications, doctors of DH clinics will prescribe the actual quantity required according to patients' clinical needs. If patients confirm that they have a sufficient quantity of the same drug at home, doctors will adjust the prescribed amount accordingly to minimise drug wastage and prevent patients from stockpiling drugs, which may pose potential risks to drug safety.
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions about the new dispensing arrangement at DH clinics, please visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH.
Ends/Friday, October 31, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:05
Issued at HKT 16:05
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