Doctors and pharmacists have raised the alarm over a worrying trend that has come to light in the last few months – that of false prescriptions in order to obtain medication not recommended by a GP.

Whilst chemists in Spain are a little more liberal in their sales of drugs over the counter – it is possible, as an example, to buy antihistamines and antibiotics without a prescription – more and more fake prescriptions have been found in circulation.

Both medics and chemists believe the current system of prescriptions is outdated and open to fraud. Most pharmacists will not dispense prescribed drugs unless the prescription slip has the relevant doctor’s Medical College number on it, so that he or she can be traced. This also means the chemist’s outlet can bill the College of Pharmacists for the difference between the over-the-counter price and the prescription price.

As additional security, pharmacies put in place a system last year whereby the patient has to hand over his or her SIP card to be swiped to validate the prescription.

Two months’ worth of meetings between members of the College of Pharmacists and the Official Medical College in the Region of Murcia came to the conclusion that the design of prescriptions should be given a complete overhaul as, at present, it is difficult to detect fraud and to check that the signature on the document is authentic and that of a practicing doctor.

Firstly, they agreed, a database of doctors should be set up so the chemist can check the College number on the prescription against the medic’s name.

Secondly, those patients who need to take a concoction of drugs long-term should be held on a central database so medics and pharmacists can identify them. This will avoid patients taking drugs that are contra-indicated and that they are not being given double prescriptions for the same medication.

More help for long-term carers

In the same meeting, both doctors and pharmacists discussed dispensing incontinence pads free of charge throughout the Murcia Region.

From June 1 this year, families and other carers who are forced to spend over a thousand euros a year on incontinence pads for their elderly or disabled charges will be relieved of this financial burden and can request these items on prescription, confirmed a spokesperson from the College of Pharmacists.

It is estimated that over 80 per cent of carers are female, and at least 80 per cent of these are aged over 65. When an elderly person becomes incapable of looking after him or herself, it is usually the spouse who is forced to take charge. Unlike in the UK where there is a strong support network and help from the social services is readily available, carers in Spain are resigned to bearing the full weight of the burden on their own shoulders – including the expense. This is particularly harsh where a carer is on an old age pension or has had to give up work.

However, this latest move means a vital saving for the hard-pressed, tireless family members of those who are unable to fend for themselves.

Prescriptions – what you should know

• If you are exempt from paying for your prescriptions (usually those on a retirement or sick pension) they will be on a red form. If your prescription is green, it means you have to pay.
• When collecting your prescription or that of someone else, the chemist will need to swipe the patient’s SIP card – bring this with you.
• Unlike in the UK, there is no blanket price for prescriptions. This means the cost can vary, but drugs on prescription are always cheaper than those sold over the counter. Medication costing 100 euros or more can be as little as three or four euros on prescription.
• Certain drugs you are given on prescription can be bought over the counter without one anyway. However, if this is the case, you will be expected to pay the full price.
• Your prescription should have the doctor’s signature and Medical College number – either handwritten or an official stamp. Without this, you will either be denied the medication or have to pay the full price. Should this occur, take the prescription back to the doctor to add the relevant number, keep your receipt, and you can claim a refund.
• Check your prescription for dates so that they do not expire. Invariably, if it is medication you take long-term or that does not necessarily require a prescription to obtain it, the document will be undated.