In all European countries, with the exception of Estonia, both paper and electronic prescriptions exist in healthcare.

This was announced during a press conference at the National Press Club of BTA by Dr. Ivan Madzharov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Medical Union (BLU).

Dr. Madzharov pointed out that in countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland, France, Sweden, in which both versions of the prescription exist, they have reached almost 90% usability of electronic prescriptions.

The chairman of the BLS emphasized that 90% of doctors are of the opinion that both types of prescriptions should remain – electronic and paper.

Dr. Madzharov added that Bulgarian patients should be treated like European patients.

The fact that a foreigner will be able to buy prescribed medication with a paper prescription from a Bulgarian pharmacy, while the Bulgarian patient cannot, he specified, is indicative of the limitation of the rights of Bulgarian patients.

The BLS expressed their surprise that the electronic prescription was not introduced in relation to the yellow and green prescriptions, which required much stricter control and traceability, as they concern drugs with a risk of addiction. 

The return of paper prescriptions: The opinion of doctors and pharmacists

The electronic prescription is not the main element of digitization, commented Madzharov.

He cites data according to which Bulgarian doctors have currently issued 20 million electronic prescriptions, five million electronic referrals, 10 million electronic examinations, 130 thousand electronic hospitalizations and 200 thousand electronic referrals for hospitalizations.

The Bulgarian doctor has practically been working under the conditions of digitalization since June 1, and under the conditions of a digital prescription since last year at this time.  

From November 1, the Ministry of Health proposes a major change in the prescription of medicines

During the press conference, a study from June 3 to 10, 2022, assigned to "Trend" was presented.

The results of the study show that 75% of patients have heard about the introduction of electronic prescription.

When asked whether paper prescriptions should be completely abolished, 21% of respondents answered positively, 10% were of the opinion that only paper prescriptions should remain, and 58% of those who participated in the survey were "in favor" of parallel use of paper and electronic prescription.

Dr. Madzharov commented on the emerging opinion that electronic prescriptions will limit the overuse of antibiotics.

According to the results of the survey, 44% of the population answered that they bought an antibiotic without a prescription, and another 55% heard of a loved one who bought an antibiotic without a prescription.  

He commented that the proposal of the health authorities does not include any change in the regulatory framework for the provision of therapy. 

In addition, 20 thousand doctors who are in hospital care will not have the possibility of electronic prescriptions.

Hristo Shivachev, deputy chairman of the BLS, explained that this would reduce the quality of the treatment provided.

He was adamant that new methods in medicine were never imposed with a ban, but were established as successful by themselves. 

BLS

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