The government has reassured members of the public that the supply of drugs containing paracetamol in Hong Kong remains stable, saying people should avoid panic buying.

It added that it will set aside supplies for people who are unable to access such medication.

The fever and pain relief drug has become scarce amid a recent surge in Covid cases, with prices soaring and some pharmacies limiting sales.

In a statement issued on Monday, the government stressed there’s a sufficient supply of paracetamol products in the market, and people should not stockpile or choose only a certain brand of medicine containing paracetamol.

It said it will reserve supplies for low income groups, as well as those who’re unable to purchase the drug because of community shortages.

"The government will, with regard to the actual situation and need, reserve the additional stock of medicine for patients who are in need but have not received public healthcare services, such as low-income families who may not be able to afford medicine expenses," the statement wrote.

It added that there’s ample supply of the drug within the public healthcare system.

“The current stock level of the relevant medicine in the public healthcare system can meet the normal daily use for about five to six months, which is completely enough for the public healthcare system to take care of its patients' needs.”

Officials added that they’ve appealed to drug manufacturers to increase output of paracetamol to meet demand.