Collection of free medications from local pharmacies in rural areas (POYC)

By project INTENCIVE

Published on 22 July 2021

Malta

About this good practice

The system has been maintained over a period of 10 years and now includes a wealth of information on the local population, including deceased persons, the prevalence of and shifts in chronic conditions, and the treatments provided in this regard. This is in addition to full demographic data, as well as data on related prescribing and dispensing practices and practitioners.
The patient must present the necessary documentation issued by POYC in order to take free medicines according to his/her entitlement from the POYC Scheme participating pharmacies in the Community.

Resources needed

Financial Resources and human capital is needed

Evidence of success

The Pharmacy of your Choice scheme or "POYC" scheme is a national pharmaceutical service which timely meets the needs of more than 150,000 outpatients (33% of the Maltese population) who benefit from medicines and pharmaceutical devices which are given for free by the Government.

This is a great benefit for the elderly since he/she will encounter less queues in their respective pharmacy and less distance. In fact, for some elderly, the pharmacy is within walking distance.

Potential for learning or transfer

The POYC scheme has seen the significant reduction in clients' waiting times along with the better accessibility to free medication. The procedures that have been adopted can be easily transferred