Czech Republic considers home delivery for prescription drugs

Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtěch is proposing legislative changes to allow the delivery of prescription medications, such as antibiotics, directly to patients' homes. The proposal, expected to enter internal review in October, aims to improve healthcare accessibility for elderly patients or those living in remote areas. While the ministry emphasizes that mail-order services will supplement rather than replace physical pharmacies, the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists has expressed concerns. They cite examples from countries like Germany, where the shift to online sales has contributed to the closure of hundreds of brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

Separately, data from the Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry (AIFP) shows that 770 tons of expired or unused medications were returned to pharmacies last year, a one-third increase compared to 2021. Despite this, surveys suggest nearly one in five Czechs still dispose of expired drugs in household waste. Health officials urge citizens to check their home medicine cabinets every six months and return expired products to pharmacies for safe, ecological disposal to ensure quality and safety.