Galician Pharmacies Ready to Assist in Emergencies

In the autonomous region of Galicia, Spain, patients in urgent need of life-saving medications can now receive prompt assistance at local pharmacies, thanks to a recent agreement between pharmacy associations and the regional government.

The new protocol allows pharmacists to renew prescriptions under specific conditions. Medications must be listed on an official registry and the therapy cannot be postponed for more than 72 hours. This initiative primarily concerns drugs used for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain antiepileptics, antipsychotics, and immunosuppressants.

The objective of this expansion of pharmacists' responsibilities is to alleviate pressure on healthcare providers and address emergency situations effectively. In recent years, a significant number of appointments with general practitioners were solely for prescription renewals, highlighting the need for such measures.

Additionally, Spanish pharmacy associations are currently focused on another pressing issue: the European Union's proposal to eliminate paper leaflets from medication packaging. In a recent press conference, various organizations representing doctors, pharmacists, and patients urged that paper leaflets remain a mandatory inclusion. They believe that while electronic versions could serve as supplementary information, they should not replace printed materials. Concerns have been raised that this change could disadvantage millions of citizens, particularly the elderly and those reliant on multiple medications. Caregivers and family members also require direct access to essential information.

Furthermore, associations argue that as people age, their need for medication often increases due to the prevalence of chronic conditions. This demographic, however, typically faces the greatest challenges in accessing digital technologies.

The EU directive includes a five-year timeline for the removal of paper leaflets, which many organizations feel is insufficient to facilitate a gradual and inclusive transition to digital solutions in healthcare. They advocate for the continued provision of physical leaflets with all medications dispensed at local pharmacies.