What prescription colours mean

Prescriptions in Barbados come in different colours. The colour of your prescription can affect which pharmacy can fill it. Where you can use your prescription also depends on where it came from.

Blue prescription

This is usually from a public polyclinic or outpatient clinic.

You can take it to:

• a government pharmacy
• a participating private pharmacy

At a participating private pharmacy, you pay a fee to prepare your medication. This is called a dispensing fee.

Yellow or green prescription

This is usually from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

You can take it to:

• the Queen Elizabeth Hospital pharmacy
• some government pharmacies, for selected medications

If you take it to a participating private pharmacy, you may have to pay the full cost.

Pink prescription

This is usually from a private doctor.

You can take it to:

• a government pharmacy
• a participating private pharmacy

At a participating private pharmacy, you pay a fee to prepare your medication. This is called a dispensing fee. Some medications may still cost money.

White prescription

White prescriptions can only be taken to a private pharmacy.

If you are not sure

Ask the pharmacist to check before you pay. You can also contact the Barbados Drug Service.

Telephone: (246) 535-4300

Email: management@drugservice.gov.bb

Website: drugservice.gov.bb

Address: 6th Floor, Warrens Tower II