About the Project
Starting in 2024, the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network Project will establish Community Pharmacies in multiple districts to provide accessible and affordable dispensing services. It will provide medication consultation, advice on chronic diseases and minor ailments, and promote health literacy and safe use of medication. The Project is expected to serve over 110,000 individuals in need and provide training to over 5,400 professionals, include pharmacists, pharmacy students and relevant healthcare service providers within five years. It will organise public education activities to enhance public knowledge of proper medication use and raise awareness of public health. The Project’s community-based medication service network will form the first line of defence in disease management to help to build a healthier community.
Characteristics
The Project provides personalised medication consultation, dispensing service and referral to other healthcare resources to support patients with chronic diseases and minor ailments.
Led by The University of Hong Kong and in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, the Project is committed to developing operational guidelines for Community Pharmacies, evaluating project effectiveness and promoting professional development to ensure service quality, efficiency, and consistency.
Project Components and Objectives
Establish Community Pharmacies to provide accessible and affordable medication support to the public, easing the economic pressures on patients in need of medication support
Provide medication management services and offer timely support to patients and their caregivers through the development of personalised health and medication management plans tailored to individual needs
Provide advice on health and minor ailment management, offer guidance on the use of over-the-counter medications, provide lifestyle recommendations, and make medical referrals to suitable healthcare resources when necessary
Promote health literacy on proper medication use and chronic disease management and raise awareness on public health
Target Audience
Patients with chronic diseases and minor ailments
General public
Project Introduction Video
What are Community Pharmacies?
The Community Pharmacy is an important part of the primary healthcare system, serving the community by providing dispensing services and health advice on minor ailment and chronic disease, empowering the public in self-managing their health.
Community pharmacists also offer expert advice on medication use, side effects, and interactions, promoting safe and effective medication use through patient education. Additionally, pharmacists participate in public health initiatives like medication management services and smoking cessation, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Unlike most healthcare service providers, Community Pharmacies offer readily accessible, walk-in consultations with medication experts. They fill the gap by providing personalized advice, preventive health services, and collaboration with other providers, ultimately contributing to improved medication adherence, reduced healthcare burden, and empowered the general populace in managing their own well-being.
