In 2022, amendments to the order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine from 19.07.2005 № 360, regulating the rules of prescriptions and the order of their release were adopted.
The medication can be prescribed by a paramedic
In particular, it is permitted for paramedics of a separate structural subdivision of an outpatient clinic of a primary medical (medical and sanitary) care center to write paper prescriptions for medicines to patients (except for prescriptions for narcotic, psychotropic, poisonous and potent medicines).
The next step is expected to be simplification of requirements for opening pharmacies in rural areas and additionally introduction of a mechanism for launching mobile pharmacy units that will operate in rural areas where pharmacy facilities are not available.
How do I get medicine if I don’t have access to a doctor?
So how do you get a prescription for medication if you live in a remote area with no access to a doctor?
With an e-prescription, you can get a prescription for medicines remotely. For example, if you have a chronic illness and need to keep taking your medications, a doctor in another community can write you a repeat prescription remotely by appointment.
To do this, you should talk through this possibility with your doctor and, if necessary, contact the doctor in the agreed format. In this case, you will only receive an SMS with the prescription number and its redemption code, which you need to tell the pharmacist at the pharmacy.
Yes, not only will your doctor be able to write you an e-prescription for medication remotely, but with each such contact, he or she will be able to track the progress of your treatment.
In addition, you can get free or copayments for drugs covered by the Affordable Care Act also through an electronic prescription.
If you cannot get an electronic prescription, as mentioned above, a paper prescription for the medicine you need can be written by a paramedic at your local FAP. In the future, the paramedic will also be able to write the prescription in the EHR.
We shall remind you that since April, prescription drugs in Ukraine can be obtained both by electronic and paper prescription. The list of prescription drugs has remained unchanged.
Information about whether a drug is prescription or over-the-counter can be found in the instructions for medical use of the drug, which are attached to the drug, or on the website of the state register of medicines.
