[CARSSUK]

Dear All

Please can anyone assist on a medication question?

(1) In the UK I have a monthly prescription from the doctors on certain medication which I pick up from the pharmacist using a pre-paid prescription card, so I pay an annual fee and I can pick up as much medication I need thoughout the year (it saves a lot of money) - is there any thing similar in HKG.

(2) Is it easy to find UK equivalent tablets and medication in HKG. What should I bring with me to HKG to try to locate identical medication (if there is any?). What help is there in HKG to assist me in this?

(3) How does one go about registering with a doctor in HKG or do people generally have to live on private medical care for see a doctor for say..if you had the flu? How does the public service work - is it free?

Thanks all - any advice is much appreciated!!

CARSSUK

[KnowItAll]

(Not heard of prescription plans here in HK -- perhaps someone else can add their two cents on that question)

Various databases related to drugs can be accessed here.

http://www.info.gov.hk/pharmser/e-index.htm

Specifically, the registered pharmaceuticals will allow you to search for various drugs and ingredients.

The public system is based on a triage. You'd have to get in line for every visit and wait. Some appointments can take several weeks or months to get.

Best option is to supplement the govt provided medical care with expat friendly insurance.

[berryplucker]

And some people realise that going to the doctor when you get a cold or flu is a waste of time and money. There is no cure for either, and if you need to treat the symptoms the relevant drugs are OTC.

[KnowItAll]

Yeah, but then you don't need to sit in a bar and drink when you can do that in your living room. Do you?

[berryplucker]

True, but I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that the best solution to that in HK (for me at least) is that I don't need a living room (or a kitchen).

[Khema]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

Various databases related to drugs can be accessed here.

http://www.info.gov.hk/pharmser/e-index.htm

that link above is really good.

I need to replenish my Zolmig stock (medication for migraine, containing Triptan as active ingredient, sold on prescription in the UK) and I checked the above database that it is registered in HK. still, a couple of questions:

Where can I find out whether it is sold on prescription or over the counter?

Next, if it is only sold on prescription can I get it off a general practitioner (or what they are called in HK??) or need to go to a specialist?

Last, can anyone recommend a GP in TST area - I am on BUPA plan?

cheers

[PDLM]

If you know exactly what you want and it isn't on the "seriously controlled" list then many pharmacies will sell you a reasonable quantity, even if it is strictly against the rules. Don't go for the Watsons or Mannings pharmacies - look for the smaller less flashy ones, and have exactly what you need written down.

[enzo]

you cannot just buy special presciption without a doctor's certificate in chemist here. if you visit a public hospital, they will charge you more than the local ppl. So better to visit a private doctor and you will taken care personally cos as u may know that in public hospital they are not experienced doctors but just trainees plus have to wait for hours and hours b4 they c u......private hospital generally are good 2...just register and bring along your prescriptions and they will do a check-up to confirm b4 they give you what you want.

[Louiseamanda]

Hello

Just a suggestion (I'm sure there are similar drugs in Hong , if not the same, available) but the other option is getting your GP to issue you with a private prescription for, say, 6 months supply.
If this isnt practical, I'm sure one of the English GP's in Hong Kong will know what you need and be happy to prescribe (if its indicated!)

Also, there are many many drugs available OTC in HK that are prescription-only in UK. (like many countries,)
Not sure if this is a good or bad thing but it may be worth looking to see if the medication you want can be bought OTC , so loing as you know what you want.
Hope this helps

[KnowItAll]

>> you cannot just buy special presciption without a doctor's certificate in chemist here.

Want to bet? Unless it is on a controlled list you can buy virtually any normal prescription medication from the local pharmacies.