Patient guide
Shanghai updates its official guide on hospital, pharmacy, and online medicine access
The city's updated August 10 medicine guide explains when patients should see a doctor first, how licensed pharmacies handle prescription and over-the-counter products, and why online prescription orders still require physician follow-up and pharmacist review.
Shanghai's official healthcare portal says seriously unwell patients should see a doctor first because many medicines, including antibiotics, require a prescription and hospitals often dispense medication directly after the consultation. The same page also explains that patients may take a doctor's prescription to a licensed pharmacy if they prefer to buy the medicines there.
For over-the-counter needs, the guide advises using qualified pharmacies staffed by licensed pharmacists, checking business credentials, and keeping invoices as proof of purchase. It also notes that some large pharmacies operate 24 hours a day, which can be useful for visitors dealing with late-night logistics after arrival.
The online-medicine section is especially relevant for compliance: the page says online consultations for prescription drugs are limited to follow-up visits for illnesses previously diagnosed at physical hospitals, and a licensed pharmacist must manually review the prescription before payment. Patients should still confirm local rules, product availability, and whether their specific prescription can be filled legally in China.