HK assures public paracetamol supply stable; tally 20,230

The government said the current stock level is enough for the public healthcare system to take care of patients' needs, including Covid-19 patients.

706474_380390_800_auto_jpg.jpg

People walk through a shopping district in Hong Kong on Dec 22, 2022. (ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP)

January 3, 2023

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Monday assured members of the public that the supply of paracetamol in the city remained stable as the number of new COVID-19 cases dropped further to 20,230.

The new cases included 19,863 local infections and 367 imported cases, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said in a statement. The city had recorded 23,361 new infections on Sunday, 29,207 on Saturday, and 27,830 the day before.

There are currently 756 pharmaceutical products containing paracetamol registered in Hong Kong and the current stock level of these medicines in the public healthcare system can meet the normal daily use for about five to six months, the government said

There were also 74 reported deaths on Monday, bringing the city’s toll during the current fifth wave of infections to 11,730.

Twenty-eight residential care homes for the elderly and people with disabilities reported 37 new cases, the CHP said.

As of Monday, the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch had identified 226 cases of sub-lineage XBB, 38 of BQ.1.1, 13 of BF.7, eight of BA.2.75.2, seven of BA.4.6, and six of XBD among imported cases in Hong Kong.

The CHP added that 192 cases of of BQ.1.1, 165 of XBB, 18 of XBD, 12 of BF.7, and one of BA.2.75.2 had also been detected among local cases.

The Hospital Authority said a total of 5,233 COVID patients were being treated in public hospitals, including 535 new patients.

The HA said 3,109 patients required isolation, 765 needed oxygen therapy and 94 required ventilator support.

A total of 202 patients were in critical condition, including 55 receiving intensive care, while 241 in serious condition, the HA added.

In a separate statement, the HKSAR government urged the public not to stockpile medicines containing paracetamol, which could be used to relieve pain and fever.

There are currently 756 pharmaceutical products containing paracetamol registered in Hong Kong and the current stock level of these medicines in the public healthcare system can meet the normal daily use for about five to six months, the government said.

It said this is completely enough for the public healthcare system to take care of patients’ needs, including COVID-19 patients who receive treatment at the designated clinics of the HA and via its tele-consultation services.

“While the tight supply of specific brand of medicine may be due to a surge in demand within a short period, the supply of other brands of medicine for relief of pain and fever is still sufficient,” the statement reads.

“Government is also planning to press ahead the procurement of a considerable amount of relevant medicine for stockpiling,” it added.

The Department of Health has appealed to large drug retailers to remind customers that they could choose other brands of medicine containing paracetamol if certain brands are out of stock.

The DH requested local manufacturers to increase the production of products containing paracetamol to meet the anticipated demand in the local market. It also contacted the Customs and Excise Department to strengthen publicity at the control points to remind travelers of the regulations on bringing a reasonable quantity of medicine for their personal use.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer announced that, following the relaxation of different anti-pandemic measures, the “LeaveHomeSafe” telephone hotline and the mobile support stations at 25 MTR stations for supporting the Vaccine Pass measure will cease operations from Jan 8 onwards.

scroll to top