2024-04-26 16:43:12
“Currently, a doctor can prescribe compensatory drugs for no longer than six months. After the introduction of the new pharmaceutical care service, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment for a period longer than 6 months, but not longer than 12 months. Such prescriptions with longer validity can be issued to adult patients who have already been taking the drugs prescribed for them for a certain period of time,” reads a statement issued by SAM on Friday.
“After 6 months, the pharmacist will have to provide a pharmaceutical care service regarding the continued dispensing of prescription drugs and decide whether the patient can continue to be dispensed the drugs prescribed by the doctor or whether he must be referred for a doctor’s consultation,” explained the ministry.
According to SAM, a pharmaceutical care service is a one-on-one consultation where a pharmacist will discuss medication use and chronic disease management with the patient.
“This will encourage the rational use of medicines, short queues at the doctors. Doctors will be able to devote more time to the diagnosis and treatment of acute, complex diseases,” Anželika Oraitė, Director of the Pharmaceutical Policy Department of the Medical Academy of Medical Sciences, said in a statement.
It is indicated that the order of the Minister of Health Protection regarding the procedure for the provision of pharmaceutical care services will enter into force on January 1, 2025.
According to the Ministry, the changes will ensure that information about the patient’s treatment progress is available both to the doctor who prescribed the medication and to the pharmacist providing the pharmaceutical care service.
2024-04-26 16:43:12