Extended Prescription: GP Prescriptions Stretch to a One-Year Duration
Dublin: The government is collaborating with pharmacists to implement a plan aimed at reducing unnecessary visits to GPs. Under this initiative, patients deemed suitable by pharmacists may have their drug prescriptions extended for up to a year, as opposed to the current six-month period. These changes are scheduled to take effect from September.
The revised regulations will allow prescriptions to be extended up to a year in advance, with authorization from either the patient or another healthcare professional, such as a GP. However, the original prescription must have been issued on or after March 1, 2024, and certain medications with limitations of no more than six months will be excluded from this extension.
This decision stems from the recommendations of a task force focused on enhancing pharmacist services, as stated by the Department of Health. The proposed changes aim to streamline the process of prescription renewal, enabling patients to continue their medication without the need for frequent GP visits.
By reducing the necessity for prescription-only GP consultations, this initiative is expected to alleviate pressure on GP clinics, resulting in cost savings and greater flexibility for patients. The Department of Health emphasises the valuable role pharmacists play in promoting public health and believes that harnessing their skills will benefit the community.
The extension of prescriptions was previously trialled during the COVID pandemic, with successful outcomes. Consequently, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has expressed its support for the forthcoming changes, pending the task force’s recommendations on prescription expansion.
Derek Reilly, Acting General Secretary of the IPU, has underscored the importance of allocating additional funding to pharmacists to facilitate these expanded services. He anticipates further discussions and agreement with the Department of Health on this matter, affirming readiness for the reforms slated for September.
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