FDA approves use of image prescriptions 

March 18, 2020

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of electronic image prescriptions in the dispensation of medicine in pharmacies and drug stores while the enhanced community quarantine is in effect.

In a statement Wednesday, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said they have decided to temporarily do away with a hard copy of medical prescriptions issued by physicians in purchasing drugs. 

"The FDA has adopted measures to secure prescription forms from licensed physicians to patients vulnerable to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in lieu of a hard copy of a written prescription," said Domingo. 

"Our patients may now present their prescriptions sent by their doctors via email or messaging apps, such as Viber or Messenger," he added. 

Domingo said the move aims to ensure that patients will have access to prescription drugs even during the enhanced community quarantine declared by the government on Monday.

"Even though we are experiencing health challenges, this should not deprive our patients of their access to prescription medicines and maintenance drugs. These commodities are essential to each patient," said Domingo. 

He said electronic image prescription to be presented must still have the necessary standards, such as signature, name, license, and professional tax receipt number of the prescribing physicians. 

Domingo said pharmacists will determine if the electronic image prescriptions being presented are valid. DMS