A prescription issued by a National Healthcare Group (NHG) polyclinic is valid for only six months if the medication is dispensed outside of NHG polyclinics.
This rule applies even if the medication is dispensed from a restructured hospital under the NHG and the prescription is for a year’s supply.
The problem is that certain prescribed medicines are available only at a hospital, or that some patients may prefer to buy their medicine from a hospital located more conveniently.
Most patients with a year-long prescription from a hospital would usually buy their medication on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis.
But patients with a one-year prescription from an NHG polyclinic would have to buy the whole supply of medication within the six-month validity period, if they need or prefer to buy it from a hospital.
Many may be unable to afford to buy the required medication six months in advance, however, as some of the medicines prescribed can be expensive.
On a more sober note, patients in their 80s and 90s may not be certain if they would even be around six months down the road. The validity rule should be reviewed.
This rule applies even if the medication is dispensed from a restructured hospital under the NHG and the prescription is for a year’s supply.
The problem is that certain prescribed medicines are available only at a hospital, or that some patients may prefer to buy their medicine from a hospital located more conveniently.
Most patients with a year-long prescription from a hospital would usually buy their medication on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis.
But patients with a one-year prescription from an NHG polyclinic would have to buy the whole supply of medication within the six-month validity period, if they need or prefer to buy it from a hospital.
Many may be unable to afford to buy the required medication six months in advance, however, as some of the medicines prescribed can be expensive.
On a more sober note, patients in their 80s and 90s may not be certain if they would even be around six months down the road. The validity rule should be reviewed.
