Regulations on sale of fever drugs could be difficult to enforce and ineffective in addressing shortages, Hong Kong pharmacists warn

Regulations on the sale of fever medication may be difficult to enforce and ineffective in addressing drug shortages, Hong Kong pharmacists and business leaders have warned after authorities signalled a possible move to introduce restrictions.

Supplies of paracetamol-based medication in local pharmacies have been running low since last month, when Covid-19 cases began surging in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

The coming resumption of cross-border travel between the two places on Sunday has increased fears that demand for such medicine may rise further, while health minister Lo Chung-mau on Thursday warned that restrictions could be imposed on the selling and purchasing of the drug.

While the government has not provided details on how the restrictions would work, concerns have been raised on the need, feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed measure.

William Chui Chun-ming, president of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists, said setting limits on the amount and price of the fever and pain-relief medication for each transaction could be a way of regulating sales, but it would not address the shortage issue.

“Purchasing would be more inconvenient,” Chui said. “But I could purchase the medication from one shop, then go to another shop for the same [products]. One can still stockpile the drug.”

He said requiring the presence of a pharmacist for the sale of the drug could be another regulatory approach. But as pharmacies are only required by law to have them on duty for at least two-thirds of their work hours, it meant that people would not be able to buy the drug during the remaining time.