Medication Service Network
About the Project
Hong Kong’s ageing population and the prevalence of chronic diseases and long-term illnesses pose challenges to the public healthcare system. To ease the burden and strengthen primary healthcare at the community level, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has initiated and funded the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network (the “Project”) for a period of five years with approved funding of over HK$415 million.
Starting in 2024, the 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.
To achieve its aims, the Project has collaborative partners including The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and eight non-governmental organisations, namely Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Limited, Health In Action Limited, Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, Pok Oi Hospital and St. James’ Settlement.
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
The Club traces its long tradition of donating to charitable causes to 1915, but it was in the 1950s, as Hong Kong struggled to cope with post-war reconstruction and a massive influx of immigrants, that this role became integral to its operations. In 1955, the Club formally decided to devote its surplus each year to charity and community projects, and in 1959 a separate company, Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Ltd, was formed to administer donations. In 1993, a new entity was established, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to reflect the evolving nature, scale and scope of donations. The Charities Trust is one of the world’s top ten charity donors.
The Trust’s substantial donations to the community are made possible by the Club’s unique integrated business model, which comprises racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Approximately 90% of the Club’s annual operating surplus after tax is donated to the Trust, enabling it to play a significant role in the community’s development.
Working with the Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charitable foundations and community partners, the Trust is committed to improving the quality of life of the people of Hong Kong. As a philanthropic organisation, the Trust proactively identifies and initiates projects that meet pressing community and social needs.
Convenor
Professor Sophia CHAN GBS JP
Senior Advisor, President’s Office,
the University of Hong Kong
Professor and Director,
HKU Primary Health Care Academy
Advisory Committee Members
Dr Libby LEE JP
Under Secretary for Health, Health Bureau
Dr Raymond HO
Assistant Director of Health (Elderly Health), Department of Health
Ms Jenny YAN
Assistant Director (Elderly), Social Welfare Department
Mr William CHUI
Chief Pharmacist, Hospital Authority
Dr YIU Yuk Kwan
Council Member, The Hong Kong College of Family Physicians
Mr CHUA Hoi Wai JP
Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
Professor Ian WONG
Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong
Ms Imelda CHAN
Head of Charities (Positive Ageing & Elderly Care; and Healthy Community), The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Ex-officio Members
Ms Nora NG
Chief Executive, Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Limited
Dr LAM Ching Choi SBS JP
Chief Executive Officer, Haven of Hope Christian Service
Dr Joyce CHING
Chairman, Health In Action Limited
Mrs Patricia LAU
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council
Ms Yvonne YEUNG
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association
Ms Alice LAU MH
Chief Executive, The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon
Mr Vincent TANG
Chief Executive Officer, Pok Oi Hospital
Ms Josephine LEE MH
Chief Executive Officer, St James’ Settlement
Professor Joyce YOU
Director, School of Pharmacy
Assistant Dean (Student Engagement), Faculty of Medicine
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Principal Investigator
Professor Ian WONG
Professor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy,
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Hong Kong
Non-official Member, Primary Healthcare Committee,
Primary Health Commission, Health Bureau
Management Team
Professor Eric WAN
Deputy Principal Investigator
Dr Anchor HUNG
Assistant Project Director
Mr Marco LEE
Project Manager (Senior Pharmacist)
Mr Alan CHEUNG
Digital Lead
Dr Edmund YIU
Research Assistant Professor
Pharmacist Team
Ms Gladys CHEUNG
Pharmacist
Ms Kitty LAW
Pharmacist
Mr Tommy LEE
Pharmacist
Research Team
Dr Man LEE
Post-doctoral Fellow
Dr Vanessa NG
Post-doctoral Fellow
Dr Clara TO
Post-doctoral Fellow
Ms Sharon LIU
Senior Research Assistant
Ms Janet SUN
Senior Research Assistant
Mr Frank CHAN
Research Assistant
Mr Chi Lam CHEUNG
Research Assistant
Ms Natalie HUNG
Research Assistant
Administration & IT Team
Ms Eve LOONG
Senior Project Officer
Ms Daisy KWOK
Project Officer
Mr Siu Ming CHAN
IT Officer
Advisors
Professor Timothy CHEN
Professor of Medication Management
Faculty of Medicine and Health,
University of Sydney, Australia
Professor Carmel HUGHES
Professor of Primary Care Pharmacy
School of Pharmacy,
Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom
Dr Franco CHENG
Lecturer
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy,
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Dr Ann LEUNG
Lecturer
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy,
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
