Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Polish pharmacies are increasingly encountering prescriptions issued by Ukrainian doctors. The Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate reminds that under current law, a pharmacy is obliged to fill such a prescription - as long as it meets certain conditions. What do these rules apply to and what restrictions apply?
Ukrainian prescriptions in Polish pharmacies. There are GIF guidelines
Published April 9, 2025 09:24
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With the influx of refugees from Ukraine, Polish pharmacies have begun to accept more and more prescriptions issued outside the European Union. Accordingly, the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate reminds pharmacists and pharmacy managers that under current regulations, prescriptions issued in a country outside the EU or EFTA can be filled in Poland - under certain conditions.
In accordance with Section 15 of the Dec. 23, 2021 Health Minister's Decree, such a prescription must contain the following data in order to be filled:
- The name or names of the patient,
- patient address,
- The common (international) name or trade name of the drug,
- The form of the drug (e.g., tablets, syrup, ointment),
- power (i.e., dose),
- quantity (i.e., number of packages, pills, etc.),
- date of the prescription,
- data of the person issuing the prescription: name, surname, professional qualifications, contact information (phone number or e-mail address) and handwritten signature - these data can be in the form of a print or stamp.
At the same time, it should be remembered that such a prescription:
- can only apply to prescription drugs (Rp category),
- Must not contain psychotropic or narcotic drugs,
- is always carried out at full payment, without the possibility of reimbursement.
Other implementation rules are derived from the provisions of the Pharmaceutical Law (Article 96a) and the aforementioned prescription regulation.
In order to facilitate pharmacists' daily work and recognition of medical documents from across the eastern border, the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate has prepared - in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the State Service of Ukraine for Drug and Drug Control (SMDC) and the Regional Pharmaceutical Inspectorate in Rzeszow - a practical guide on Ukrainian prescriptions. The material includes current prescription templates and describes the rules for issuing them in Ukraine.
The guide is available on the website of the General Pharmaceutical Inspectorate.
Source: GIF
