News Room

According to a press release issued by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, the special scheme providing COVID-19 oral drugs free of charge to private doctors for prescribing to eligible patients – implemented during the pandemic – will cease on July 29. This decision follows the current management of COVID-19 as a general upper respiratory tract infection and a significant decline in demand for COVID-19 oral drugs. Public healthcare services will continue to supply COVID-19 oral drugs under regular drug arrangements for patients with clinical needs.

The Department of Health explained that COVID-19 has become a common respiratory viral infection. Generally, symptoms experienced by members of the public infected with COVID-19 are mostly mild. Concurrently, the monthly average number of COVID-19 oral drugs prescribed free of charge by private doctors to eligible confirmed patients this year has shown a marked decrease compared to the past two years. Considering these factors, the Government will terminate the special scheme on July 29. Private doctors can still prescribe the drugs free of charge to eligible COVID-19 confirmed patients on or before July 28.

Although the active phase of COVID-19 has ended, the recent rising trend of influenza activity in Hong Kong requires the public to remain vigilant. Strict adherence to personal, environmental, and hand hygiene practices must be maintained at all times.

For details of the arrangement, please refer to the following Government news website:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/17/P2025071700278.htm