Since the launch of cross-border e-prescription data exchange with certain Member States, Latvian residents have used this service 273 times to purchase electronically prescribed medications while abroad. Foreigners, in turn, have used this option in Latvia 120 times.
In cooperation with the National Health Service (NVD), Latvia transmits data on electronically issued prescriptions (hereinafter “e-prescriptions”) via a system developed by SIA “ZZ Dats” to Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Spain, as well as receiving e-prescription data not only from the aforementioned EU member states but also from Portugal, and residents of these countries can purchase prescription medications at Latvian pharmacies if they have been electronically prescribed in their country of residence.
In addition to the aforementioned countries with which Latvia already exchanges data, Croatia, Finland, and Greece are also in the process of implementing prescription data exchange. Data exchange with these countries could begin in the near future.
The number of participating countries is also gradually increasing, and currently 14 more countries have joined the project and are continuing their work to begin exchanging e-prescriptions and basic health data in the future — these are the EU member states Sweden, Hungary, Slovenia, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Romania, Belgium, and two non-EU countries, Iceland and Norway.
On March 4, 2024, Latvia began exchanging cross-border e-prescription data with certain member states to ensure that residents can purchase their e-prescription medications in other European Union (EU) member states during business trips, tourism, or other short-term stays. Until now, medications prescribed in Latvia could only be purchased abroad if the prescription was issued on a paper form.
“We see that the system is working, and over time, a much larger number of member states and people will certainly use it.The digitization process not only reduces the workload and saves financial resources, but also significantly improves our daily lives—this is just part of the development of the digital health system in the near future. We are pleased that Latvia, through the opportunities provided by the exchange of e-prescription data and basic health data of residents, is positioning itself as a progressive country in the field of digitization,” says Edžus Žeiris, Director of SIA “ZZ Dats,” says Edžus Žeiris.
The use of e-prescriptions in other EU member states is possible within the framework of the project “Exchange of Basic Patient Health Data and E-Prescription Information with Cross-Border E-Health Information Systems” implemented by the National Health Service (NVD). The project has established a national e-health contact point that ensures cross-border data exchange and connects Latvia’s e-health system with the health data information systems of other EU countries. This is possible thanks to the use of the European Core Services Platform and the fact that prescription and basic health data are available electronically in Latvia’s E-health system.
How to purchase e-prescription medications in another Member State?
When visiting a pharmacy in another EU Member State, you must inform the staff that you are a resident of Latvia and wish to purchase e-prescription medications that were prescribed in Latvia. You must present your identification document at the pharmacy.
If you wish to use an e-prescription issued in Latvia to obtain reimbursable medications, please note that you will have to pay for the medications at the pharmacy out of your own pocket. In this case, upon returning to Latvia, you may contact the National Health Service (NVD) to request reimbursement of expenses. Reimbursement will be granted in accordance with the reimbursement conditions in effect in Latvia.
At the same time, please note that in other Member States, it is possible to purchase only a portion of the quantity prescribed, for example, 2 out of 6 prescribed outer packages (boxes) or inner packages (blisters). The remaining quantity can be obtained in Latvia or another Member State (this condition applies only to those Member States that support the option of purchasing medicines in divided quantities). The e-prescription will show a note indicating whether the medication has been dispensed in full or in part, as well as the remaining quantity. Medications prescribed via an e-prescription issued in Latvia cannot be purchased in other Member States if they contain psychotropic or narcotic substances, as well as medications listed in the e-prescription in free-text form (for example, medications that pharmacies prepare to order).
