One e-prescription across multiple pharmacies

5 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

From July 1 e-prescription in Poland can be partially filled at multiple pharmacies, easing access for long-term patients and expats.

From July 1 patients can partially fill a single e-prescription in Poland across multiple pharmacies. Consequently, the change removes the need to return to the same pharmacy to finish a prescription.

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How e-prescription in Poland now works across multiple pharmacies

The Ministry of Health introduced the rule to split a single electronic prescription into parts. Moreover, 6,500 pharmacies already accept partial fills. In addition, about 700 more locations await approval. Therefore almost 7,200 pharmacies will support the tool soon. Consequently, this equals close to 60 percent of all pharmacies nationwide.

Previously, patients had to continue a multi-pack prescription at the same outlet. However, shortages or travel often made that impossible. Now patients can buy one pack at one pharmacy. Then they can buy remaining packs at another outlet that supports the system. This improves access for people with long prescriptions. It helps those on year-long treatments too.

Why the change matters for expats and patients

Many expats rely on repeat prescriptions for chronic conditions. Moreover, they often move between cities for work or study. Therefore the old rule forced inconvenient trips. In addition, pharmacies sometimes run out of a medicine. Consequently, partial fills reduce delays and stress. They also help parents managing medicines for minors, pregnant patients, and seniors. The system now stores extra patient data, including pregnancy status, senior status, and veteran or donor privileges.

What doctors, pharmacists and the system will gain

The ministry also launched an optional refund-support tool. It will guide doctors on the correct reimbursement level. Moreover, the tool maps all reimbursement indications. Therefore doctors face less risk when they choose a refund code. In addition, the system will show ICD-10 codes with each therapy. The government plans to link the tool to the Internet Patient Account (IKP). IKP stores results and medication history. (IKP = Internetowe Konto Pacjenta). Consequently, prescribers will see previous questionnaires filled by other doctors.

Pharmacy organisations welcomed the move. The national pharmacists’ council will run trainings. Therefore staff can adopt the new workflow quickly. In addition, the list of participating pharmacies appears on a public government page. Patients can check availability before they travel.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, register with the Internet Patient Account (IKP) to view prescriptions online. Keep your PESEL (national ID number) handy when accessing medical services. Also note the National Health Fund (NFZ) handles public drug refunds, while the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) manages many benefit claims. Carry your valid ID and proof of entitlement if you expect subsidised medicines.

The ministry promises to extend the tool. For example, it will add a reimbursed compounding formulary with prices. Moreover, the service will increase safety by reducing errors in refund coding. In addition, central records will improve predictability for doctors and pharmacists. Consequently, the health system should become more efficient.

Patients should still ask pharmacists about stock and reimbursement at purchase. Moreover, expats should verify entitlement to refunds, as some schemes require specific documentation. In addition, pharmacies that join the scheme will show that status on the government portal.

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