Overview
Course in Primary Healthcare for Pharmacists (2026-2027)
(Ref no: PHAR5050)
Introduction
Grounded in its strong tradition of advancing pharmacy education and professional practice, the School of Pharmacy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is launching the 2026 intake of “Course in Primary Healthcare for Pharmacists”. As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its primary healthcare system with a greater emphasis on prevention, community engagement, and continuity of care, pharmacists are expected to take on more proactive and patient‑focused roles. Ongoing professional learning is therefore essential to support pharmacists in adapting to these evolving expectations and enhancing the quality of care delivered to the community.
Designed specifically for registered pharmacists, this course provides structured training for those seeking to develop leadership and practice capabilities in primary healthcare settings, including community‑based and multidisciplinary models of care. The curriculum echoes the needs mentioned in Hong Kong Primary Healthcare Reference Framework and covers core areas relevant to contemporary pharmacy practice, enabling participants to strengthen their competence in medication management, chronic disease support, health promotion, and collaborative care. Through this course, pharmacists will be well prepared to contribute effectively to Hong Kong’s future healthcare landscape and advance their professional development.
Curriculum Highlights
Module 1: Framework of primary care
Module 2: Disease-based management and considerations in drug use
Module 3: Skills and techniques for community pharmacists
Module 4: Extended skills (including basic life support, smoking cessation workshop, and immunization training)
Duration
6 months (Mid-September 2026 to Mid-March 2027 (total: 60 hours)
Mode of Study
The course will be offered on a part-time basis in a hybrid format, comprising pre-recorded lectures, live online sessions, face-to-face workshops, and assessments. Synchronous sessions, either online or in person, will generally be scheduled on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. In-person activities will primarily take place on the CUHK campus in Shatin.
Entry Requirement
Pharmacists registered in Hong Kong under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138)
Course Fee
HK $13,800
Subsidy
A subsidy will be provided by the Primary Healthcare Commission to eligible participants who successfully complete the course. Upon fulfilling all course requirements and obtaining the course certificate, participants may apply to the Health Bureau for reimbursement of 25% of course fee (HK$3,450), within six months of the award date. This offers valuable financial support to enhance your professional development in primary healthcare.
Certificate of Completion
A certificate will be awarded to participants who have –
- Achieved ≥ 70% attendance (Including all mandatory sessions); and
- Scored ≥ 70% in the overall assessment (including online MCQ, case studies, and the oral examination)
Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) Points
10 points (subject to approval)
Enquiry
Email: phar5050@cuhk.edu.hk
Phone: +852 39436862
Application
Application
Step 1:
Complete the online application form , and obtain an application number (PHAR5050-XXXXX).
Step 2:
Mail a crossed cheque of HK$13,800, titled “The Chinese University of Hong Kong” to School’s address. Please quote your name and application number (PHAR5050-XXXXX) on the back of the cheque.
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Address:
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Room 801, 8/F, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building Area 39, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong (Attn: Echo Mok) |
Remarks:
- Applicants will be notified by email upon receipt of the cheque. Applications will be processed only after the cheque has been successfully received.
- Applicants will be informed of their enrolment status by email no later than two weeks before the commencement of the course.
- The cheque will be deposited only upon successful admission. For unsuccessful applicants, the cheque will be returned by post.
- No refund will be made for withdrawals initiated by applicants after submission.
- Applicants who encounter difficulties in settling payment by cheque are invited to contact us by email for assistance.
Application Deadline for 2026 Intake
31 July 2026
Lecture Topic
Module 1: Framework of primary care
- Introduction to primary care in Hong Kong
- Social determinants of health, health equity and medical-social collaboration
- Telehealth and use of technology
- Community service resources and health-social partnership
- Multi-disciplinary team, transdisciplinary and family healthcare management approach
- Health screening and assessment
- Responding to symptoms in primary care
Module 2: Disease-based management and considerations in drug use
- Management of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and stroke
- Management of osteoporosis and fall
- Management of heart failure, myocardial infarction and stable angina
- Management of atrial fibrillation and use of anticoagulant
- Management of COPD and asthma
- Management of eczema & other skin disorders
- Management of diabetes mellitus
- Pharmacotherapy in special population – renal impairment
- Pharmacotherapy in special population – hepatic impairment
- Pharmacotherapy in special population – paediatric
- Pharmacotherapy in special population – pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pharmacotherapy in special population – geriatrics
- Men’s and women’s health
- Lifestyle medicines
Module 3: Skills and techniques for community pharmacists
- Evidence-based medicine
- History taking and medication reconciliation
- Motivational interviewing
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, complementary and alternative medicines
Module 4:Extended skills
- Basic life support
- Smoking cessation workshop with assessment
- Immunization training for pharmacists with assessment
Remark: School of Pharmacy reserves the right on the cancellation of course and amendment of program structure