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Where would you seek medical assistance when stricken with a common disease such as the cold or flu? The launch of community pharmacies by the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network offers the public a convenient alternative for their health management and medication needs.
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The five-year project has been initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of more than HK$415 million. The aim is to provide accessible and affordable medicine dispensing services, medication management and consulting services to help Hongkongers in disease prevention and to better self-manage their health conditions.
There are currently eight community pharmacies within the network, operated by NGO partners of the Club in different districts. More than a dispensary, they are manned by community pharmacists who are able to provide personalised free medication consultation and management services, health advice or referrals to other healthcare resources when necessary, to support patients with chronic diseases and minor ailments. Additionally, it is intended that the community pharmacies will collaborate with District Health Centres and family doctors to establish community-based primary care networks, building a first line of defense in disease management.
Healthy Community is one of the strategic priority areas of the Club’s Charities Trust. In launching the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network, the Club aims to promote and increase access to primary care, thereby reducing the pressure and reliance on the public healthcare system. Through cross-sector efforts and the development of a professional service model, it is hoped the project will also serve as a reference for government policy development and similar services in the long term.
The Club’s support for the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network, like all its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for the community.
(community information)
The HKSAR Government's Permanent Secretary for Health, Thomas Chan (centre); the Club's Executive Director of Charities and Community, Dr Gabriel Leung (left) and Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong, Professor Chak-sing Lau (right), officiate at the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network opening ceremony.
Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network beneficiary collects medicine at one of the project’s community pharmacies.
