A pilot scheme run in Wisbech will be rolled across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to stop repeat NHS prescriptions being requested through pharmacies.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group say patients will no longer be able to reorder their medication through their pharmacy.
A spokesman said: “They will need in future to request these through their GP. This will ensure that patients only receive the medication they need.”
The spokesman said this would mean the medication can be reviewed and would hopefully reduce the amount of wasted medicines.
“On average £7.5 million of medicines are wasted each year across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough,” said the spokesman.
“Previously patients could sign up to a managed repeat prescription service with their pharmacy where the pharmacy would automatically request medication on the patient’s behalf.”
It is expected the new service will be rolled out to 50 practices a year.
“This will not impact on vulnerable patients where alternative arrangements are in place, “said the spokesman.
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