Jockey Club launches PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network to support primary healthcare development
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Hong Kong is increasingly challenged by both an ageing population and the growing prevalence of chronic disease. To address these concerns and strengthen primary healthcare at the community level, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has initiated and funded the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network with an approved donation of over HK$415 million. Under the five-year initiative, community pharmacies have been established in eight districts. Operated by NGO partners, they provide accessible and affordable community dispensing services, medication management and consultations with the ultimate goal of improving citizens’ health through disease prevention and self-management of health conditions.
At the project opening ceremony, Dr Gabriel Leung, the Club's Executive Director of Charities and Community, said that just as family doctors are the core of primary healthcare, so pharmacists are critical to its effectiveness. This especially applies to the older adults, particularly those in residential care homes, for whom medication management is vitally important. Therefore, a key aim of the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network is to upskill healthcare workers, including pharmacists, through collaboration across different sectors. The goal is to find a sustainable way to develop primary healthcare and so truly help patients.
The Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network expands the service scope of community pharmacies and raises the profile of community pharmacists. Operated by eight NGO partners, the pharmacies not only provide accessible and affordable community dispensing services, but also personalised free medication consultation and management service, health advice or referrals to other healthcare resources to support patients with chronic diseases and minor ailments.
The community pharmacies will also collaborate with District Health Centres, and family doctors to establish community-based primary care networks, thereby building the first line of defence in disease management. At the same time, the project promotes inter-professional cooperation to strengthen the primary healthcare service support in the community.
To assist the older adults, community pharmacists can offer personalised advice, especially for those with chronic conditions. Imelda Chan, Head of Charities (Healthy Community) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said that some senior citizens require multiple medications daily. “Pharmacists guide them on optimal administration for maximum effectiveness and help prevent accidental misuse,” she said. “Notably, there have been cases of individuals admitted to the A&E due to incorrect medication ingestion. Meanwhile, elderly individuals facing additional health concerns may wonder if their current medications are still suitable. They can seek detailed instructions and learn about potential side effects from community pharmacists.”
Another important element of the project is capacity building. The University of Hong Kong, one of the project partners, will develop operational guidelines for community pharmacies, build capacity, and evaluate the impact of the project to ensure service quality, efficiency, and consistency. The Chinese University of Hong Kong will also participate in capacity building and deliver a series of public education activities to promote medication literacy and raise public health awareness.
Professor Ian Wong, Principal Investigator of the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network, emphasises the importance of best practice guidelines, covering both hardware and personnel, to building capacity of primary healthcare services. “The goal is to enhance the service quality and encourage NGOs that operate holistic services covering residential care homes and community pharmacies to refer clients internally,” he said.
The Club’s support for the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network, like all its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for the community.
Help patients with chronic diseases and minor ailments
“The community pharmacists patiently provide clear instructions on the best ways to take my medicine. The calm atmosphere there puts me at ease,” she said. Additionally, Kwan benefits from free health check-ups, including blood sugar and blood pressure tests, as well as electrocardiograms. The pharmacy’s professionals are on hand to explain the results, enhancing her understanding of her health.