The National E-Health Authority has reassured the public that electronic cross-border prescriptions do not pose a threat to the adequacy of medicines in Cyprus.
In a statement, the Authority said clarifications were necessary following recent concerns raised by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association over the possible impact of electronic cross-border prescribing.
“The implementation of the European electronic cross-border prescription system, MyHealth@EU, does not negatively affect the availability of medicines. On the contrary, it strengthens monitoring mechanisms,” the Authority said.
It added that the adequacy of medicines remains a key priority for all competent bodies, noting that the concerns expressed are understood and are being treated with due seriousness.
The Authority clarified that the dispensing of prescriptions issued in other European Union countries is not a new practice. It has been in place for years under Directive 2011/24/EU on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, which allows EU citizens to receive healthcare and have prescriptions dispensed in other member states under specific conditions.
The main difference today, it said, is that the process is now supported by a modern digital system that allows the secure exchange of information between member states.
Through MyHealth@EU, healthcare professionals can see what has already been prescribed and dispensed in the patient’s country of origin. According to the Authority, this significantly reduces the risk of multiple or uncontrolled prescriptions and supports the rational use of medicines.
It also stressed that responsibility for prescribing and for the medical necessity of treatment always remains with the treating doctor who issues the prescription.
The system, the Authority said, enhances transparency and supports the effective management of available stocks, without creating conditions of pressure in the pharmaceutical market.
At European level, the Authority added, specific policies and legislative initiatives are being promoted to strengthen medicine supply and the resilience of health systems. These include the European Pharmaceutical Strategy and new European mechanisms for monitoring and managing medicine shortages through the European Medicines Agency.
The aim of these measures is to prevent shortages and ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines for citizens across all EU member states.
The Authority said Cyprus is steadily making use of European digital infrastructure and modern forms of cooperation in the health sector, moving towards a more modern, secure and effective healthcare system.
“Through these initiatives, transparency, improved monitoring of medicine distribution and the safeguarding of medicine adequacy are strengthened, with the ultimate aim of better serving and protecting all citizens,” it concluded.
Source: CNA
