Govt to launch at least four community pharmacies in every district: health chief

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau announced on Wednesday that the government plans to launch at least four to five designated community pharmacies in each district across the city to advance primary healthcare development.

Speaking on a radio program, the health chief explained that these pharmacies will dispense medications for chronic or occasional illnesses within the community, all centrally procured by the Hospital Authority (HA).

Lo also stated that the program will prevent the wasteful practice of patients collecting large quantities of medication all at once during follow-up visits at HA clinics.

He noted that pharmacists will assist in packaging and organizing medications, alleviating the pressure on care home staff in dispensing drugs and ensuring that elderly residents take their medications more safely.

Meanwhile, Lo highlighted that around 95,000 citizens have enrolled in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC), which aims to promote the "Family Doctor for All" concept in primary care services.

He added that 55,000 participants have already completed their screenings, with nearly 40 percent diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension. These individuals will receive follow-up care from family doctors.

Furthermore, Lo stressed the program's significant benefits in addressing these health issues, noting that undetected conditions like diabetes or hypertension could lead to severe consequences, such as stroke or paralysis.