In Hong Kong, medical patients with prescriptions often face difficulties when requiring refills.

 

According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority in 2015, collection of prescriptions from pharmacies in hospitals could take as long as 70 minutes.

 

Although improvements to the system have shortened waiting times to 20 minutes, the process of collection can be tedious for those requiring long-term medication. 

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Collection of prescribed medication has been especially problematic during the Covid-19 pandemic as hospitals are perceived as locations with high-risks of virus transmissions. Patients who do not collect and adhere to their prescriptions can lead to many future problems. Medical non-adherence not only imposes potential health risks but also leads to excessive costs in medical services and resources.