They arrive important news regarding the world of pharmacy. In the draft of the new Simplifications Bill, which should soon be discussed by the Council of Ministers and then passed to Parliament, the offer of services intended for citizens is expanded, giving more and more public utility functions to the many pharmacies present in the area. In fact, these shops will no longer be just the place to buy medicines but also the place to go to carry out healthcare procedures.
A “service pharmacy” available to citizens
As stated in the Bill, in fact, in addition to the green cross identifying the pharmacy, pharmacists will have to affix on the premises themselves a sign bearing the name «Service Pharmacy» and provide suitable information on the identification of the data controllers offering such services.
Among the news regarding the pharmacy: vaccines and diagnostic tests
Furthermore, pharmacists will be able to administer vaccines foreseen in National vaccination prevention plan to people over the age of 12. To do this, professionals must be adequately trained following the passing of a qualifying course and subsequent annual updates organized by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Pharmacists will continue to administer flu and anti-Covid vaccinations, as already happens.
In the pharmacy you will also be able to undergo telemedicine services (unspecified) and diagnostic tests for the fight againstantibiotic resistance, to support the general practitioner and pediatrician of free choice. To carry out these tests, biological samples will be taken at nasal, salivary or oropharyngeal level.
For vaccines and diagnostic tests, as can be seen from the Bill, areas, premises or structures (including external ones) will be allocated, equipped with suitable facilities from a hygienic-sanitary point of view and aimed at guaranteeing citizens’ privacy. The collection of medical prescriptions and any dispensing or sale of medicines or other products will be prohibited in these premises.
You can choose your family doctor and pediatrician
And again, in medicines you can choose your family doctor and pediatrician, among those affiliated with the regional health system. Furthermore, the draft bill provides that pharmacies will be able to dispense medicines and medical devices necessary for patients in home, residential and semi-residential care on behalf of healthcare facilities.
Two or more pharmacies will be able to “join forces” to provide services
Finally, two or more pharmacies, owned by different entities, will be able to jointly provide these health services, even using the same separate premises.