Bridging Cultures: Personalized Pharmaceutical Care for Patients with Diverse Religious and Dietary Practices

Date: 5th February 2026
Venue: The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
Organised by: HKU Pharmacology and Pharmacy & Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Collaboratory (CPHC)
Format: In-person guest lecture

On 5th February 2026, the Multicultural Health Services (MCHS) team had the absolute honor of taking the stage at The University of Hong Kong for a guest lecture titled:

“Bridging Cultures: Personalized Pharmaceutical Care for Patients with Diverse Religious and Dietary Practices.”

A heartfelt thank you to the HKU Pharmacology and Pharmacy department and the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Collaboratory (CPHC) for extending this invitation and fostering such an important dialogue.

Why This Topic Matters

As pharmacists and healthcare providers, our mission goes far beyond dispensing medication – it is about understanding the person behind the prescription. In an increasingly multicultural Hong Kong, cultural competence is not a “nice-to-have” – it is essential for patient safety and health equity.

During this seminar, we explored how addressing cultural nuances can prevent common drug-related problems and build trust with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Key Topics Covered

🔹 Cultural Sensitivity in Pharmaceutical Care

How understanding cultural beliefs, family dynamics, and traditional health practices can help pharmacists identify and prevent drug-related problems (DRPs) commonly seen in Hong Kong’s ethnic minority populations.

🔹 Ramadan & Fasting Adjustments 🌙⭐

Practical, evidence-based guidance on safe and effective medication dose adjustments for patients observing the holy month of Ramadan, including considerations for diabetes, hypertension, and anticoagulant therapies.

🔹 Dietary Requirements in Pharmaceutical Care 🌱📜

The vital importance of accommodating Halal and Vegan needs in medication selection and counselling – from checking excipients (gelatin, alcohol-based carriers) to ensuring patient trust and long-term adherence.

🔹 Building Trust Across Cultures 🤝

Strategies for pharmacists to initiate respectful conversations about religious and dietary practices without causing offence, and how small adjustments in communication can yield significant improvements in patient outcomes.

A Special Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to:

• HKU Pharmacology and Pharmacy for the warm welcome and academic collaboration.
• Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Collaboratory (CPHC) for co-organising and championing primary care equity.
• Professor Joseph Blais and Professor Emily for their invaluable support and encouragement.

Looking Ahead

MCHS remains committed to bridging the gap between clinical practice and diverse beliefs – because personalized pharmaceutical care is the future of equitable healthcare in Hong Kong.

Invite MCHS to Your Institution

Interested in a guest lecture, CPD-accredited workshop, or research collaboration on multicultural pharmaceutical care?

📧 Email: info@mchs.hk
🌐 Website: https://mchs.hk

Together, we are building a culturally competent pharmacy workforce for a truly inclusive Hong Kong.