Introduction
Formed in 1968, The Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry has 32 Full Members and 4 Affiliate Members, including the world’s top 20 companies engaged in the research and development of pharmaceuticals. Our member companies provide over 70% of the prescription medicines in Hong Kong.
The Association is dedicated to keeping members informed about key developments in the local pharmaceutical market. Our goal is to enhance the overall well-being of the Hong Kong population by making recommendations on healthcare policies and fostering collaboration among our member companies, the government, and the community.
Our members contribute valuable insights into healthcare innovation and work to improve the healthcare system through meetings and discussions with stakeholders, partnerships with government and academic institutions, and patient education initiatives. In 2023, our members operated at least 183 Patient Support Programs across 17 therapeutic areas, providing over HKD 569 million in financial support to patients in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry is one of the earliest associations in the world formed by Research & Development-based pharma companies. Through these years, the Association has been working with different Bureaux and departments of the government, professional associations, academics and patient groups, consistently providing expert views across the entire spectrum of healthcare matters including healthcare system reform, research and development as well as patient empowerment.
HKAPI produced its first paper on healthcare reform in 1999. And over the years we have provided insight and commentary on a host of issues, including a series of papers on primary healthcare, cancer strategy, and the affordability of drugs for rare diseases and cancer patients. The Association continues to work with the HA to improve the access and affordability of medicines for patients in need.
In 1977, HKAPI launched a series of industry training programmes to improve the standard of medical representation. In the 1980s, recognizing the need to further raise standards for ethical promotion and education by the industry, the HKAPI expanded the education courses and launched the first comprehensive series of Medical Representatives’ Training Programs for people and professional development.
Years of People Development
The Association’s implementation of the Code of Practice is a key pharmaceutical industry benchmark within the region. In 1970, HKAPI and its members adopted the first edition of the Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, developed in accordance with internationally defined standards. Revised every two years, the 21st edition was rolled out in 2022 and Code training workshops are held every year.
