(Originally posted on 2005-01-27) Dear Members, On 31st January, 2005, the Panel on Health Services of the Legislative Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the Hospital Authority's proposal on the introduction of a standard drug formulary. The agenda of the said meeting is here: http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr04-05/english/panels/hs/agenda/hsag0131.htm The paper jointly tabled by the HA and the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau is here: http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr04-05/english/panels/hs/papers/hs0131cb2-746-1e.pdf Here is a summary of the classification of drugs proposed: HA Standard Drug Formulary (醫管局標準藥物名冊)ObjectiveThe main objective of developing an HA-wide Standard Drug Formulary is to ensure equitable access to cost effective drugs of proven efficacy and safety, through standardisation of drug policy and utilisation in all HA hospitals and clinics Content of the Standard Drug FormularyThe Standard Drug Formulary will contain two categories of drugs, namely General Drugs (通用藥物) and Special Drugs (專用藥物). General Drugs refer to drugs with well-established indications and effectiveness which are available for general use as indicated by the patients' clinical conditions. This group comprises around 85% of the drugs within the Formulary. This category of drugs is provided within the standard fees and charges at public hospitals and clinics. Special Drugs refer to drugs which are to be used under specified clinical conditions with specific specialist authorisation. This group comprises less than 15% of the drugs within the Formulary. Generally speaking, drugs within this group are newer, more expensive, and with variable existing practices at the HA. Provided that the drug usage is within the specific indications, these second-line drugs are provided within the standard fees and charges. Drugs outside the Standard Drug Formulary (Non standard drugs)Generally speaking, four main types of drugs have not been included in the draft Standard Drug Formulary, guided by the principles of evidence-based medical practice, targeted subsidy and opportunity costs considerations. Most of these drugs are already self-financed by patients at present. These include:
The above drugs will be non-standard provisions in the HA and patients will have to purchase these drugs at their own expenses. The introduction of the HA standard drug formulary is bound to have profound impact on hospital pharmacy practice. After the Health Panel meeting on 31st January, a 3-month consultation period is expected to commence, and the SHPHK's position will be sought. You are strongly urged to download and read the LegCo paper, and to send your comments to the General Committee (e-mail: gc(at)shphk(dot)org(dot)hk), so that our response will be truly representative of your views. Please act now. It is important. Brought to you by |
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