With the rise of remote consultations, the related issue of dispensing medicines has also attracted considerable attention. Hong Kong law and professional codes emphasise that standards of healthcare and medicines safety must not be lowered, regardless of the consultation format. According to the guidance of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, if a doctor considers it necessary to issue a prescription after a remote consultation, the doctor must ensure that the prescription is appropriate and supported by sufficient clinical grounds. Dispensing must still comply with the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. This means that prescription medicines must be dispensed at a registered pharmacy by a pharmacist or under a pharmacist’s supervision. Doctors may send prescriptions securely by electronic means to the pharmacy designated by the patient, or the clinic may arrange delivery of the medicines to the patient. During delivery, the safety, integrity and privacy of the medicines must be ensured, and there must be a mechanism for verifying the recipient’s identity. The entire process must be clearly documented and traceable.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
What are Hong Kong's rules for medicines dispensed following a “telemedicine” consultation?
A complete explanation of the regulatory basis, Drew Tang’s recommendations and risk alerts. The original material dates from 2025; read it alongside the latest official requirements.
Original guide, 2025 edition: These FAQs are provided for topic-based reference and have not all been individually checked against current rules. Please confirm fees, personnel, renewal, changes and product requirements against the professional in-depth guide for the relevant licence type and the official requirements in force at the time.
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