Hong Kong adds 16 free medications to subsidised diabetes, hypertension screening scheme
- But Health Bureau says 38 of 718 participating service providers in Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme will increase fees by up to HK$250
Hong Kong health authorities have added 16 free-of-charge medications to a subsidised diabetes and hypertension screening scheme as part of efforts to give family doctors greater flexibility when prescribing drugs.
The Health Bureau also said on Friday that 38 of the 718 participating service providers in the Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme would increase their fees for patients by up to HK$250 (US$32).
The bureau said authorities made the decision to expand the basic-tier drug list under the scheme from 43 to 59 items after reviewing the needs of patients.
“The expansion provides participating family doctors with more drug options to cater for the different clinical prescription needs of participants,” a bureau spokesman said.
“The government included 16 additional drug items in the basic-tier drug list this month, covering antihypertensive drugs, lipid-regulating drugs, antibiotics and drugs for treating associated health problems.”
According to the bureau, the list covers basic medications for chronic diseases and episodic illnesses. Participants in the government-subsidised scheme are not charged for such drugs.
