Most GP prescriptions are now done on accredited GP computers. It would be a simple matter to make the computer not only print out the prescriptions, but also a bar-code giving the full details of the prescription, including drug name and dosage, patient details and details of the prescribing GP.

This bar-code can be read more quickly and accurately by the pharmacist and the Prescription Pricing Authority using well-established technology. It would enable pharmacists to have much more accurate computer records, and help the PPA sift through the millions of prescriptions in the compilation of statistics and the detection of prescription misuse.

S Orman-Chan,

Cannock,

Staffordshire.