Primary Care Pharmacy – A Review of Current Situation and Future in Hong Kong

Abstract

<p>Hong Kong’s public healthcare system has been under intense pressure due to the aging populations and increasing chronic diseases prevalence. To tackle the challenge, the Primary Healthcare Blueprint was released by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government which aims to develop a community-based primary healthcare system and promote primary preventive services. As part of the Government’s efforts to enhance the role of community pharmacists in primary healthcare system, Hong Kong pharmacists should broaden their scope of practice by utilizing their medication expertise to improve patient health outcomes, optimizing healthcare utilization, and fostering the collaboration within multi-disciplinary team. The Blueprint offered unique opportunities for community pharmacies to transform and expand their service scope, as long as the challenges and barriers are being addressed.<br></p>