Hong Kong public hospitals to limit ‘as needed’ medication to 8-week supply

Patients at Hong Kong public hospitals and clinics who are prescribed medication for use “as needed” will receive a maximum eight-week supply starting from Thursday as part of initiatives to reduce drug wastage.

The Hospital Authority announced on Friday selected medication prescribed for as-needed use would be dispensed with a maximum supply of about two months.

The new arrangement will cover 14 types of drugs mainly for relieving symptoms, such as laxatives, medication to loosen sputum and neutralise stomach acid, as well as creams for bruises and pain relief.

“Many patients may stockpile medication at home, particularly medication to be used ‘as needed’,” said William Chui Chun-ming, chief pharmacist of the authority.

“The selected medications under this new measure are prone to overstocking and wastage,” Chui said. “We hope that this new arrangement will reduce medication stockpiling and avoid wastage, leading to more efficient use of medication resources.”

The list of selected as-needed medication will be reviewed and updated as necessary.