Pharmacies and Therapeutic Services

Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. Emergency assistance is accessible to anyone in Hong Kong, and pharmacies are practically everywhere to cover less urgent medical needs. The bottom line is, in case of an emergency, just keep calm and dial 999. The emergency hotline will send help quickly.

But for less perilous cases (pay close attention, especially if you’re into all-you-can-eat hotpots), you might want to skip the ambulance and instead opt for a pharmacy. In Hong Kong, pharmacies are so much more than the name suggests. They are basically the neighbourhood’s own minimart, selling everything from tissue boxes in bulk to low-priced snacks and drinks, catering to all your domestic needs.

While remedies can be found for most common ailments, certain restricted medications can only be administered by authorised sellers. A general tip is to look for the bright red and white ‘Rx’ sign above the pharmacy storefront. According to the Centre for Health Protection, there are more than 600 authorised sellers in Hong Kong as of 2022. Keep an eye out for one near your apartment, and keep it in mind for when you need it.

One more thing on finding help: occupational therapists are relatively accessible in Hong Kong, too. Even in the public sector, general occupational therapy is available in 25 public hospitals, with a nominal fee of HK$135 for the first attendance and HK$80 per subsequent visit. The private sector is more of a wild card with a wide range of private practitioners available, but one session of occupational therapy generally costs between HK$300 to HK$2,000. Be sure to shop around, and you’ll find the best care for you and your family!