The Government has no plan to introduce any scheme to require patients to buy drugs that are more effective or generate fewer side effects, the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau says.

The Hospital Authority will continue to offer effective drug treatment to patients.

Responding to enquiries today, the bureau said public hospitals and clinics have all along provided patients with all drugs necessary and effective for the treatment of their diseases, including "expensive drugs".

No patient will be denied necessary and effective treatment because of lack of means. Exceptions are a handful of privately purchased medical items listed in the gazette.