Starting January 1st, Lombardy will implement the obligation of an electronic medical prescription, although it will still be possible to use paper prescriptions during the transition phase. The General Directorate of Welfare of the Region has informed doctors and pharmacists that, until the complete healthcare digitalization expected by 2025, paper prescriptions for medications and outpatient services not covered by the National Health Service (SSN) will remain valid. Pharmacies will be able to dispense medications based on non-digitalized white prescriptions, thus ensuring continuity of service.
The digitalization will primarily focus on prescriptions covered by the National Health Service and those intended for territorial healthcare assistance services. We are now awaiting the issuance of operational guidelines from the relevant national authorities to complete the process and standardize the system across the entire national territory. The ultimate goal is to enhance the efficiency and safety of the medical prescription process, increasing accessibility to healthcare services for all citizens.