The Ministry of Health has announced the launch of the new Digital Prescription System, which is now operational. This system enables doctors to prescribe and pharmacies to dispense certain medications in a safer, faster, and more efficient manner.
The introduction of this tool is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the healthcare system. The main goals are to improve control over medications—especially those classified as psychotropics and antimicrobials—reduce paper use, and eliminate risks related to lost, illegible, or incorrect prescriptions.
Prescriptions are generated through the official platform at recetadigital.go.cr. Patients can present a unique code issued by their healthcare provider at the pharmacy to access their medication. The prescription can also be received via email or WhatsApp for easier transport and storage.
Some antimicrobials are not yet available for digital prescription; doctors must check updated lists within the platform before prescribing.
The Ministry addressed several common questions about the new system:
“NO, antibiotics have never been over-the-counter medicines.”
“Antibiotics and other antimicrobials that are not over-the-counter will still require a prescription. The only difference is that now the prescription will no longer be on paper but digital.”
“This decree does not eliminate the care provided by pharmacies. All it does is regulate the delivery of antibiotics and other antimicrobials to protect public health.”
“The regulation does not affect pharmacists’ work; on the contrary, it highlights their role in monitoring, educating, and supporting proper treatment compliance.”
“NO. The system has been used for years for prescribing controlled drugs such as psychotropics, and since May 2025 it has been available for prescribing antimicrobials.”
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria become less responsive to antibiotics due to self-medication, purchasing antibiotics without a prescription, or failing to follow medical instructions. According to data from PAHO/WHO, more than 700,000 people die each year worldwide from resistant infections. Projections suggest this number could reach 10 million annual deaths by 2050. In 2021 alone, nearly five million deaths were linked to antibiotic-resistant infections.
The Digital Prescription System aims to support responsible use of these medications and help address this global public health challenge.
For further information or inquiries, individuals can contact the Ministry of Health via email or phone.
