Through a decree published in the Official Gazette of the province of Mendozawas regulated from the preparation, storage and conservation of medicines to their sale and commercialization, taking into account the structural and technological changes that are developed at the economic and social level. Mendoza had adhered in 2023 to the National Law that enables the electronic prescription establishes that the prescription of medications can be in electronic or digital format and with the decree published this morning this provision is regulated.
In this regard, the Mendoza Medical Circle, which brings together health professionals from different branches, issued a statement in which it raises its “pros” and “cons” when it comes to its implementation. Specifically, they asked for caution since there could be aspects that negatively affect the quality of the medical attention.
“The Mendoza Medical Circle recognizes the importance of modernizing the Argentine health system and the potential contribution of electronic prescription in this process. However, given the mandatory implementation as of July 1, 2024, we express our concern about some aspects that could negatively affect the quality of medical care and the professional autonomy of doctors,” says the statement released by the Medical Circle.
“We are concerned about digital divide that could exclude vulnerable sectors of the population. It is essential to guarantee universal access to the necessary technology and provide adequate support to those who require it,” the document adds.
And he adds that: “The lack of clear national regulations generates uncertainty and doubts about implementation. It is necessary to establish clear and precise guidelines to avoid confusion and guarantee legal security for all actors involved.
Excessive dependence on technological platforms could limit the doctor’s professional autonomy. It is essential that the doctor preserves the freedom of prescription based on his clinical judgment and experience, without algorithmic conditioning or external pressures.”
According to the grouped doctors, the “depersonalization of care” could affect the doctor-patient relationship. “A medical consultation is a complex act that goes beyond the prescription of medications. It is important to preserve space for personal interaction, trust and empathy between the doctor and the patient.”
“We urge the authorities to work together with the schools doctors and health organizations to address these concerns and guarantee a successful implementation of the electronic prescription that benefits all actors in the health system”, highlighted from the Círculo.
And they ended by saying: “The electronic prescription can be a valuable tool to improve medical care in Argentina. However, its implementation must be carried out responsibly, prioritizing the quality of care, professional autonomy and the well-being of patients.”
Decree No. 445/2024 raises the need to adapt the regulations in relation to the registration, preparation, storage, conservation, sale and marketing of narcotic drugs and annuls Decree No. 701/1972, which dictated the rules on the marketing and sale of narcotics. narcotics in the territory of the Province.
In it, article 14 established that “the recipes For the prescription of Narcotic Drugs, they must be handwritten by the doctor in ink and in legible form, without abbreviations, and must include the name, surname, registration number and address of the professional and the patient, total number of dosage units in numbers and letters, dose at a time. and repetition time (dose per day).”
