As the majority of doctors in Hong Kong have their clinics situated in hospitals, the pharmacies themselves are also situated there and are open 24 hours a day. The pharmacists in private hospitals will be staffed with people who speak English, but this may not be the case in public hospitals. However, where language may be a problem, the written prescription should be enough for you to get the medicine you require. Prescriptions can be collected immediately after your consultation. You will be charged for the drugs and will be required to pay immediately. In the case of public health services this will need to be in cash.
Pharmacies are also available at two large chains, Watsons and Mannings, both of which have outlets throughout Hong Kong. Aside from medicines, both Watsons and Mannings carry a wide array of skincare, beauty, personal care products along with cosmetics, baby needs and more. The medicines sold over the counter at these two main pharmacy chains treat minor ailments like coughs, colds and headaches. By and large the sale of registered drugs needs a prescription. These pharmacies also retail Chinese medicines and herbal remedies which are largely used by the local population.
The majority of well-known prescription drugs are available in Hong Kong but they must be prescribed by a doctor within the region. Prescriptions that have been issued outside of Hong Kong cannot be used. Contraceptives do not require a prescription in Hong Kong.
Aside from Watsons and Mannings, there exist several other local pharmacies in popular expat areas such as Central, the Mid-Levels, Causeway Bay or the south of Hong Kong Island and even Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon which is a major tourist hub in Hong Kong. The pharmacies in these areas are largely manned by English speaking staff.
Watsons
Locations: throughout Hong Kong. See the site homepage for a quick and easy to use store locator:
Mannings
Locations: throughout Hong Kong
Tel: 2299 3381
http://www.mannings.com.hk
Fanda Perfume Company Ltd
Shop B, World Wide House,
Ground Floor Peddar Street,
Central
Tel:2526 6623
Fanda is one of the best pharmacies in Hong Kong. The pharmacists here all speak English and usually provide you with all the drugs that are registered in Hong Kong. Many of these are sold over the counter though some require a doctor’s prescription. Often the pharmacists here will also suggest a generic alternative to what you need. Aside from medicines, Fanda also carries beauty and skin care products from the leading brands in the world, as well as extremely well priced perfumes and colognes for both men and women. Fanda also operates a second outlet at Mirador Mansion in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Health Quest Pharmacy
Pharmacy within health store stocking a range of supplements.
Locations: Happy Valley, Central
Tel: 2865 2121
http://www.healthquesthk.com/
Stanley Pharmacy
303, Stanley Plaza Shopping Centre
Stanley, Hong Kong
Tel: 2813 7124
Victoria Dispensary
Pharmacy with Chinese herbalist available for consultations.
G/FLuk Hoi Tung Building
31 Queen’s Road, Central
Tel: 2522 5507
Direct Health
Suppliers of medical healthcare equipment including wheelchairs, respiratory products, hospital beds and bath aids for use in the home.
1 Anton Street, Wan Chai
Tel: 2528 1109
L.W. Medishop
Hearing aids, digital blood pressure monitors, oxygen generators, stethoscopes, wheelchairs and emergency aid kits.
G23, Chevalier House
45-51 Chatham Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2722 0772
http://www.lwhk.com
Pharmacies in Hong Kong are open seven days a week from 10am until 8pm. Some that operate in the nightlife districts like Wan Chai, Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui are open later but only the pharmacies within the hospitals stay open for 24 hours.
