Find Barbados Drug Service prescription medication
Last updated on August 21st, 2026
If you are eligible, you can get prescription medication free at a government polyclinic pharmacy or pay a small dispensing fee at a private pharmacy that participates in the government subsidy programme. This service is provided through the Special Benefit Service (SBS). The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) pays the pharmacy on your behalf.
What to take to the pharmacy
- your prescription
- original accepted ID for the person the medication is for: a Barbados National Identification (ID) card, passport or child health book. A child health book is only accepted for children up to 6 weeks old. After 6 weeks, an ID card is required.
Photocopies are not accepted.
Collecting for someone else
Medication must be collected in person. This service is not available online. Someone else can collect for you. They will need to bring your prescription, your ID, and their own ID.
Get free or subsidised medication
Some pharmacies can lower or remove the cost of your prescription medication through the Barbados Drug Service if you qualify. Medication is free at government (polyclinic) pharmacies and costs less at private pharmacies that work with the Drug Service. Not all private pharmacies take part. At those pharmacies, you pay full price.
Check who qualifies and what to bring
Prescription colours
Prescriptions in Barbados come in different colours. The colour of your prescription can affect which pharmacy can fill it.
Check what the prescription colours mean
Get help
If a pharmacy will not accept your Drug Service prescription, or you have a problem getting your medication, contact the Drug Service.
Telephone: (246) 535-4300
Email: management@drugservice.gov.bb
Website: drugservice.gov.bb
Address: 6th Floor, Warrens Tower II