Limited provision of "as needed" medications in Hong Kong public hospitals extended to an 8-week supply duration.
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Starting on Thursday, patients at Hong Kong's public hospitals will be limited to an eight-week supply of medications prescribed for use as needed. This new initiative, announced by the Hospital Authority, aims to minimize drug waste.
The new policy will apply to 14 categories of drugs, including laxatives, medicines that help loosen mucus and neutralize stomach acid, creams for treating bruises, and pain relief medications.
William Chui Chun-ming, the chief pharmacist of the authority, explained that many patients tend to stockpile medication, particularly those for as-needed use. He noted that the selected medications under the initiative's scope are prone to overstocking and wastage. The hope is that the new arrangement will curb medication hoarding and cut down on waste, leading to more efficient use of resources.
The list of medications subject to the 8-week supply limit will be updated as necessary. This policy is part of a broader attempt to reduce waste in public healthcare and enhance medication management in Hong Kong.
Historically, medication wastage has been a concern due to excess medication accumulation and disposal. By limiting the supply of as-needed medications to 8 weeks, the public hospitals aim to strike a balance between accessibility and waste reduction. This approach encourages more frequent reviews of patient needs by clinicians, reduces overstocking, and minimizes the disposal of unused medications.
It's important to note that these efforts are part of a broader hospital strategy to limit waste and streamline medication management, encompassing advanced inventory tracking systems and better communication between pharmacies and clinical teams. Specifically, the focus for as-needed prescriptions is on limiting the quantity dispensed per prescription to curb unnecessary accumulation and wastage. By doing so, public hospitals in Hong Kong hope to streamline their medication management and make a positive impact on health resources.
In the context of Hong Kong's public hospitals, the limited eight-week supply of as-needed medications will not only minimize drug waste but also encourage more frequent clinical reviews of patient needs and reduce excess accumulation in the area of health-and-wellness, including therapies-and-treatments like pain relief medications. Moreover, the focus on nutrition management is also essential, as limiting the supply of medications will curb unnecessary disposal and contribute to a more efficient use of resources in science and public healthcare.
