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Reply:
The dispensing of medicines by private medical practitioners to patients is not unique to Hong Kong and is practised by our neighbours such as Japan and Singapore. Indeed we are not aware of any country which prohibits private medical practitioners by statutory means from dispensing medicines. In countries such as the UK and USA, separate dispensing of medicines by pharmacists is usually achieved by reimbursing the costs arising from medical consultations and the dispensing of medicines to doctors and pharmacists respectively through an insurance system. Even then, doctors are permitted to dispense medicines to their patients where pharmacists are not easily accessible.
Whilst we are not sure how long the practice of the dispensing of medicines by private medical practitioners has existed in Hong Kong, this one-stop arrangement has worked well for many years. It is convenient to patients and ensures clear accountability for the proper care and safety of patients. However, patients do have the right, if they so wish, to request their doctor to issue prescriptions to be filled by pharmacists. This practice was adopted by the Hong Kong Medical Association as far back as 1981.
Currently, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is offering a 3-year Bachelor degree course in Pharmacy. The first batch of 31 students will graduate this year. Whilst the intake level of the bachelor degree programme will remain at about 30 throughout the 1995-98 triennium, CUHK plans to introduce a Master of Philosophy programme for bachelor degree holders in pharmacy from 1996.
End/Wednesday, July 19, 1995