Romanian doctors started issuing electronic prescriptions on Monday ( July 2 ) and pharmacists will be able to see the issued prescriptions on their systems.

The new system will work in parallel with the old paper prescriptions until the beginning of 2013, when it will become mandatory. However, many doctors are yet to install the new system, which is free of charge.

In the system, doctors have an electronic certificate and patients are identified with their Personal Identification Number (CNP). The system yields information on whether patients are medically insured and what their insurance policies cover.

Whenever doctors prescribe a drug that is unfit for treating a certain illness, or if the amount is higher than necessary, the system issues a warning. If certain drugs prescribed interact with each other and should not be taken simultaneously, the system will also issue a warning.

Once the prescription is checked and issued, it will be posted on the system and visible to all pharmacies. Patients can buy drugs on prescription only in their county of residence. When the national health card becomes functional, patients will be able to buy drugs on prescription across the country, irrespective of where they pay their health insurance.

The entire electronic health system needed investments of EUR 9 million, from non-reimbursable EU funding.

editor@romania-insider.com