prescriptions and medications Archives

Vietnam – Prescriptions and Medications

Vietnam’s pharmacy network — known as nhà thuốc — is extensive, with roughly 50,000 outlets spread across the country and established chains operating in every province. Obtaining both over-the-counter and prescription medicines is generally convenient, although the enforcement of prescription

Venezuela – Prescriptions and Medications

Managing your medications and prescriptions in Venezuela demands advance preparation, particularly in light of persistent medicine shortages and a healthcare system operating under extraordinary pressure. Pharmacies — known as farmacias — exist throughout the country, yet their stock is unreliable

United Kingdom – Prescriptions and Medications

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) operates a well-organised system for prescriptions and dispensing that is broadly accessible to people living in the country, including those who have recently relocated from abroad. Dispensing outlets — colloquially known as “chemists”

United States – Prescriptions and Medications

Pharmacies are easy to find throughout the United States, appearing as dedicated chain stores or as departments within large grocery and retail outlets. To have a prescription filled, you must obtain authorisation from a physician who holds a valid US

United Arab Emirates – Prescriptions and Medications

The UAE boasts a mature, pharmacy-dense healthcare infrastructure where the vast majority of routine medicines can be purchased without a prescription. Holding private health insurance is compulsory for all expats — a requirement extended nationwide from January 2025 — and

Turkey – Prescriptions and Medications

Turkey’s pharmacy network is well-structured and widespread, with licensed pharmacies — known as eczane — located on virtually every street in urban and suburban areas. A wide range of medicines, including many that would require a prescription in other countries,

Trinidad and Tobago – Prescriptions and Medications

Trinidad and Tobago has a well-developed pharmacy network, with more than 250 licensed outlets across the country dispensing both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Government health centres offer medicines at no charge to patients, and the national Chronic Disease Assistance Programme

Thailand – Prescriptions and Medications

Thailand supports a robust network of licensed pharmacies numbering in the thousands, spread across the length and breadth of the country. A wide range of everyday medications — including some that would require a doctor’s note elsewhere — can be

Taiwan – Prescriptions and Medications

Taiwan boasts a highly developed network of pharmacies and operates one of the most comprehensive public health systems anywhere in the world — the National Health Insurance (NHI). The vast majority of everyday medications are readily accessible without a prescription,

Switzerland – Prescriptions and Medications

Switzerland operates a tightly regulated pharmaceutical system in which medications are dispensed exclusively through licensed pharmacies known as Apotheken, identifiable by their illuminated green cross signs. All residents who have newly arrived must join the compulsory basic health insurance programme