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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
1. What is the purpose of implementing the Hospital Authority Drug Formulary?The Hospital Authority (HA) has implemented its Drug Formulary since July 2005 with a view to ensuring equitable access by patients to cost effective drugs of proven safety and efficacy through standardisation of drug policy and drug utilisation in all public hospitals and clinics. The HA Drug Formulary is continually updated with regular evaluation of new drugs and review of the prevailing drug list under the established mechanisms.2. What are the guiding principles of developing the HA Drug Formulary?The development of the HA Drug Formulary was based on the guiding principle that public resources should be used to maximise the effects of healthcare and provide equitable access for all patients. Other core values, including evidence-based medical practice, rational use of public resources, targeted subsidy, opportunity cost considerations and facilitation of patients’ choice, have also underpinned the development of the HA Drug Formulary.3. How are drugs categorised in the HA Drug Formulary?At present, there are four drug categories in the HA Drug Formulary namely General drugs, Special drugs, Self-financed Items with safety net coverage and Self-financed Items without safety net coverage.4. What are General drugs?General drugs are with well-established indications and cost-effectiveness which are available for general use as indicated by patients with relevant clinical indications and provided at standard fees and charges in public hospitals and clinics.5. What are Special drugs?Special drugs are used under specific clinical conditions with specific specialist authorisation. These drugs are provided at standard fees and charges (please click here) in public hospitals and clinics when prescribed under specific clinical conditions. Patients who do not meet the specified clinical conditions but choose to use Special drugs are required to pay for the drugs.6. What are Self-financed Items with safety net coverage?Self-financed Items (SFIs) with safety net coverage are drugs which are proven to be of significant clinical benefits but are very expensive for HA to provide as part of its standard services. These drugs are not covered by the standard fees and charges in public hospitals and clinics. Patients who require these drugs and can afford the costs have to purchase the drugs at their own expense. A safety net is however provided, like the Samaritan Fund and the Community Care Fund Medical Assistance Programme, to subsidise the drug expenses of patients who have financial difficulties.7. What are Self-financed Items without safety net coverage?SFIs without
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