(Policy Address 2024) Hong Kong to launch a community pharmacy program for affordable medications

Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that the government plans to launch a community pharmacy program to help the public obtain affordable medication, as part of its efforts in advancing primary healthcare development. 

The government aims to formulate legislation to strengthen the regulatory framework of primary healthcare and authorize the Primary Healthcare Commission to set up quality assurance and monitoring mechanisms, Lee said. 

He highlighted that the government will develop a community drug formulary and launch a community pharmacy program, as well as adopting a life-course framework to formulate health management plans for the public according to age and health conditions.

It will also expand the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme to cover blood lipid testing. 

The Hospital Authority (HA)'s general out-patient services will also be positioned as the comprehensive, primary healthcare service providers for the underprivileged, he added. 

Meanwhile, the government will formulate risk-based screening programs for prevalent cancers on a gradual basis, including breast cancer screening, exploring the use of AI to assist in lung cancer screening, and implementing hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer.

Other efforts include revamping maternal and child health and family-planning services, upgrading more District Health Centre Expresses into District Health Centres (DHCs), as well as integrating the services of Woman Health Centres and Elderly Health Centres. 

Lee noted that a Primary Dental Co-Care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents will be launched to encourage the prevention of dental diseases, as well as a Community Dental Support Programme to enhance dental services for underprivileged groups. 

This would include the elderly experiencing financial hardship, replacing the Community Care Fund Elderly Dental Assistance Programme, and introducing preventive dental services for pre-school children.

Additionally, the government will strengthen the Whole School Health Programme to recommend targeted school-based measures for physical activities, meals and other matters for each school to improve students' physical and psychological well-being.