Hongkongers to get greater access to cheaper medicines under specific list of drugs

Hong Kong patients enrolled in government subsidised healthcare services will be able to buy medicines under a specific list of drugs at prices much lower than market rates when a new initiative launches late next year.

The Health Bureau also said on Thursday that the Community Pharmacy Programme, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, would first roll out in four districts – Eastern, Yau Tsim Mong, Sha Tin and Yuen Long.

The Community Drug Formulary – a list of medicines commonly used in primary healthcare, such as those for prevention and managing chronic diseases – would be introduced in the second half of next year.

“To promote the development of primary healthcare and ease the burden on the public healthcare system, we believe the Community Drug Formulary will play a useful role,” said Dr Cheung Wai-lun, director of the bureau’s Strategic Purchasing Office.

The idea of developing a community drug formulary and pharmacy programme was first proposed in last year’s policy address, with the aim of giving people access to more affordable primary healthcare drugs.

Patients enrolled in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme and other primary healthcare services would be able to buy medications listed under the formulary through participating family doctors or community pharmacies.