The sale of medicines in Poland is regulated by law. Basic medicines (e.g. painkillers) can be purchased not only in pharmacies, but also in grocery stores and gas stations (which are usually open 24 hours a day). However, many medicines require a prescription, i.e. a doctor’s order – the necessary document is issued during a visit to the doctor and is in electronic form (e-prescription).
As a rule, the patient’s PESEL number is required to issue a prescription, but if the patient does not have a PESEL number, the doctor will enter the patient’s data manually (proof of eligibility for public health care or commercial insurance and an identity document are required).
The prescription can be filled only in a pharmacy or a pharmacy point. Nowadays, prescriptions are usually issued electronically (e-prescription) and it is sufficient to provide the PESEL number and a special code to purchase the prescribed medication. With the specified data, you can fill a prescription for someone (for example, a sick spouse). Prescriptions have a specific expiration date (usually 30 days, but in the case of antibiotics – only 7 days). In the case of chronic diseases you can get a prescription for a longer period, even for a whole year.
Information about e-prescriptions.
Pharmacy opening hours:
Pharmacies and drug stores have different opening hours. Pharmacies are open at night and on holidays. There are also 24-hour facilities in larger cities.
The National Health Fund operates a telephone hotline to check where medicines are available. Information on the availability of medicines can be checked by calling the Patient Information Telephone Number – 800 190 590.
Information current as of: .
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