Date Published: 16/03/2020
ARCHIVED - 12-month medical prescriptions extended by 6 months in Murcia
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
The move is designed to eliminate the need for patients to visit medical centres and lighten the workload of the health service
The regional health service of the Region of Murcia (SMS) has announced that the validity of 12-monthly prescribed prescriptions is being prolonged by 6 months in order to reduce the workload on the Region’s doctors and minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus during the visits to medical centres which are usually needed in order to renew medications.
For those suffering from chronic complaints such as diabetes or high blood pressure a renewal of their electronic prescription is usually needed after 12 months, but a six-month period of grace was announced on Monday morning. At the same time the list of medicines to be stocked by pharmacists has been lengthened to include medications for heart and respiratory conditions.
Once again it has been reiterated that supplies of protective gloves and facemasks have been all but exhausted, and that in response to shortages some establishments are making their own soaps out of alcohol, gel, emollients and water.
Meanwhile, medical centres have confirmed that mild coronavirus cases will be dealt with by telephone rather than face to face, with patients asked to make a prior appointment as usual but not to travel to the doctor’s surgery. Instead they should wait for the doctor to phone.
Those making appointments online (click for link here) or using the SMS mobile phone app will see that a new tab has been added where it can be noted that the reason is a possible case of coronavirus, and a reminder has also been issued that advice is still available on the free phone line 900 121212.
Image: Manuel Villegas, the regional minister for Health
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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus
The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.
The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.
Sensible precautions
The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:
- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel
- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!
- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity
- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell
- Don´t panic!