Nicosia, Cyprus. The National e-Health Authority on Friday dismissed reports suggesting that the availability of medicines in Cyprus was at risk due to prescriptions issued abroad. It said the MyHealth@EU system does not affect medicine availability and improves oversight and monitoring.
Response to pharmacists’ concerns
Commenting on concerns raised by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association regarding the possible impact of online prescriptions, the authority said the MyHealth@EU system, which provides cross-border healthcare services, does not affect medicine availability but instead improves oversight and monitoring.
Cross-border prescriptions not new
The authority said the presentation of prescriptions issued in other EU countries is not a new practice. It said the procedure has been implemented for years under Directive 2011/24/EU on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, which allows EU citizens to receive medical treatment and fill prescriptions in other member states under specific conditions.
Shift to digital exchange
The authority said the difference now is that prescriptions are digital, enabling the safe exchange of information between member states. It said this includes access to patients’ medical and prescription histories, helping prevent the issuing of multiple or unchecked prescriptions while improving transparency and stock management.
EU initiatives on shortages
The authority said that at a European level, policies and legislative initiatives are being promoted to enhance medicine availability and the resilience of health systems, including the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe and new European mechanisms to monitor and manage medicine shortages through the European Medicines Agency. It said the aim of these measures is to prevent shortages and ensure uninterrupted access to necessary medicines in all EU member states.
Cyprus participation
The authority said Cyprus was “steadily utilising European digital infrastructure and opportunities for contemporary cooperation in the health sector, advancing towards a more modern, secure and effective health system”. It added that transparency, improved monitoring of pharmaceutical supply and safeguarding the availability of medicines are strengthened through these initiatives, with the goal of offering better service and protection.
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