Electronic prescriptions will be rushed in from as early as next month, as part of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 health plan.

Under the solution being fast-tracked, patients will receive their prescription via a unique QR code sent via an app, or by SMS or email to share with their pharmacy, the Australian Digital Health Agency has announced.

“A significant amount of work had already been done to ensure that necessary upgrades to both pharmacy and prescriber software can be done quickly and electronic prescriptions are expected to be progressively available from the end of May,” it said in a statement.

“This will allow people in self-isolation convenient access to their medicines and will lessen the risk of infection being spread in general practice waiting rooms and at community pharmacies.”