Cyprus Pharmacists Association requests medication caps and authority for vaccinations

The Cyprus Pharmacists Association (PFS), led by Ploutarchos Georgiadis, has requested that the National Authority for Electronic Health set a maximum cap on medication quantities dispensed via cross-border European prescriptions. The association warns that allowing EU citizens to fill prescriptions in Cyprus without quantity limits could lead to medicine shortages for local patients. While acknowledging the cross-border program as a positive step for traveling patients, the PFS emphasized the need for safeguards. Additionally, the PFS has renewed its push to shift influenza vaccinations from personal doctors and public centers to local private pharmacies. Georgiadis argues that pharmacists are trained health professionals who can increase vaccination coverage by providing easier access to the public. The association is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Health and the Health Insurance Organization (OAY) regarding these proposals. Officials have yet to finalize decisions on either the implementation of the prescription caps or the transition of vaccination services.