Dear Doctor,

Thank you for your participation and continual support to the Programme. We communicated via emails dated 28.12.2017 and 27.3.2018 regarding two Programme Drug items which have been temporarily suspended from the online drug ordering platform due to supply interruption. We would like to update you with the latest situation as follows: 

1)   Potassium Chloride SR Tablet 600mg (Manufacturer: Novartis for Sandoz Grup Saglik Urunleri)
      
The supply interruption of this item is anticipated to be lasted for at least 9 months, and the resumption of supply is yet to be confirmed, it will entirely depend upon circumstances. During this period, the Hospital Authority (HA) is exploring different options to source the supply of this drug. We shall keep you posted once there are further updates on the supply situation of HA’s contract source. 

For the continuous care of Programme patients, you may consider to purchase this drug item from other local suppliers (such as Apo-K from Hind Wing), or, depending on individual patient’s clinical conditions, you may consider alternative choices of anti-hypertensive drugs under the Programme Drug List which do not require Potassium Chloride as supplement.

2) Nifedipine SR Tablet 20mg (Manufacturer: Bayer Pharma AG)
      
After communication with the manufacturer, we were informed that the supply of Nifedipine SR Tablet 20mg would tentatively be resumed in May 2018. However, the manufacturer has also indicated that the drug will be withdrawn from the market in September 2019. Therefore, your professional judgement may be required for early planning to consider alternative choices of drugs for new patients and patients who are currently prescribed with this item. 

Should you have any enquiries regarding the GOPC PPP, please feel free to contact us at gopcppp@ha.org.hk or via the Programme hotline 2300 7300 (after selecting language, press 5 to speak directly with our hotline staff). 

Yours faithfully, 

Connie LAU 
Manager (Transformation Project) 
Hospital Authority