Cyprus assures that EU e-prescriptions will not cause drug shortages

The National e-Health Authority of the Republic of Cyprus has stated that the implementation of the MyHealth@EU cross-border electronic prescription system poses no threat to the availability of medicines on the island.

The statement was made following concerns previously expressed by the Pharmaceutical Association of Cyprus regarding the system's potential impact on the country's pharmaceutical market.

The authority emphasized that the mechanism for cross-border dispensing of medicines is not a new practice. It operates under EU Directive 2011/24/EU, which allows citizens of EU countries to receive medical care and purchase medicines in other member states.

It is noted that the main difference of the current system lies in the use of the modern digital platform MyHealth@EU, which ensures the secure exchange of medical information between EU countries.

The department explained that the new system allows doctors and pharmacists to see prescriptions already issued and dispensed to a patient in their country of residence. This helps reduce duplicate prescriptions and promotes more rational use of medicines.

The National Authority also stressed that the responsibility for prescribing drugs remains with the treating physician.