Hong Kong’s First Western Pharmacy
AS Watson establishes Hong Kong’s first Western pharmacy at a time when public understanding of Western medicine is limited. Beyond dispensing medicines, it plays an important educational role by building trust and promoting knowledge of Western remedies, offering free medicines to those in need.
In 1881, Effective Remedies for All was published to detail the efficacy and pricing of its medicines, helping to accelerate the acceptance of Western medicine. It was a meaningful step in nurturing trust—one patient, one family, one neighbourhood at a time.
Today, this history comes alive in the museum through treasured artefacts from the 19th century. Hand painted apothecary jars, calendars, and early products such as Worm Cake—some displayed for the very first time—tell stories of care, craftsmanship, and humanity. Each artefact holds a moment in history, a human touch, and a reminder of the lives it once served.
Together, these stories reveal more than medical progress—they speak of compassion, trust, and a deep commitment to the community that has remained at the heart of AS Watson since the very beginning.
In 1881, Effective Remedies for All was published to detail the efficacy and pricing of its medicines, helping to accelerate the acceptance of Western medicine. It was a meaningful step in nurturing trust—one patient, one family, one neighbourhood at a time.
Today, this history comes alive in the museum through treasured artefacts from the 19th century. Hand painted apothecary jars, calendars, and early products such as Worm Cake—some displayed for the very first time—tell stories of care, craftsmanship, and humanity. Each artefact holds a moment in history, a human touch, and a reminder of the lives it once served.
Together, these stories reveal more than medical progress—they speak of compassion, trust, and a deep commitment to the community that has remained at the heart of AS Watson since the very beginning.
