NO LIMIT ON PRESCRIPTIONS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29871, 11 July 1962, Page 17

NO LIMIT ON PRESCRIPTIONS

Restriction Lifted

Doctors in the South Island are now allowed to prescribe what pharmaceutical treatments they think a patient needs, without limit as to quantity, says a Health Department newsletter to medical practitioners. Previously. they were allowed to prescribe only enough for seven days, with provision for one repeat order The move is on a month-to-month trial basis. If the trial proves successful the ar- ; rangement will be made permanent and extended to the North Island. The drug tariff (the list of drugs practitioners may prescribe) is not affected. The newsletter, signed by the director of clinical services (Dr. A. W S. Thompson) and his assistant (Dr. T L Hayes) reads: “The Minister of Health (Mr McKay) has approved a controlled triad with a view to ascertaining the worth of the restrictions now in force.

’’From the date of receipt of this letter, doctors resident in the South Island may prescribe according to the requirements of each particular case.

“The present trial will be continued from month to month, if the initial results are encouraging. If all goes well for 12 months, consideration will be given to rescinding the period of supply restrictions altogether.”