The Hong Kong Association of the pharmaceutical Industry (HKAPI) representing 34 R&D multinational pharmaceutical companies in Hong Kong, providing 70% of prescription medicine in Hong Kong.

1. We understand that the response level was raised to the emergency response level under the Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance (the Preparedness and Response Plan). A government-led cross bureaux/departments Steering Committee cum Command Centre was formed to formulate strategies and control measures to safeguard public health. The HKAPI supports all control measures to tackle the novel coronavirus infection.

2. Our member companies are attentive to the ongoing health and wellbeing of their staffs with appropriate work arrangements during this critical time in Hong Kong. We respect our member companies to deploy their own policies and measures in accordance with their risk assessment and operational needs.

3. As key suppliers of pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong, HKAPI member companies will take every measure to ensure the continuous supply of medicine to the public and private healthcare institutions in Hong Kong for the needs of patients.

We understand now Hong Kong is in a critical time. We express our gratitude to all those involved in the prevention and control of the disease for Hong Kong people, in particular to those in the frontline. HKAPI as a member of the healthcare community, while protecting staff from possible infection, we will continue our responsibilities of uninterrupted supply of drugs.