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The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced that the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) will go into operation on January 13, 2025.
This announcement was made on Wednesday, October 23. Minister Charlie McConalogue has signed the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed, and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023 (Section 7 – Commencement) Order 2024 into law.
What is the NVPS?
The NVPS is a secure electronic prescription system developed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to comply with new EU regulations on veterinary medicines.
From January 2025, all veterinary prescriptions and dispensed medications will be recorded on this national database.
Benefits for the Industry
Minister McConalogue emphasized that the introduction of a clear commencement date for the NVPS will provide “clarity” for professionals involved in prescribing and dispensing veterinary medicines. He also encouraged collaboration among “all stakeholders” to ensure a smooth transition to this new system.
According to the DAFM, the NVPS will offer the farming community greater flexibility regarding where they can obtain veterinary medicinal products.
The system will also enable “non-dispensed digital prescriptions” to be available for dispensing at outlets across the country, enhancing control over the food production process from a farming perspective.
Enhanced Oversight and Regulatory Compliance
The NVPS is expected to provide “greater regulatory oversight” for those involved in the prescribing, dispensing, and use of veterinary medicinal products. Minister McConalogue stated that this system is a valuable step towards safeguarding both human and animal health and welfare, thanks to the improved supervision of prescribing practices.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential of the NVPS to secure access to new markets or maintain existing ones by meeting European regulatory standards.
A Strategic Opportunity for the Future
The NVPS is seen not only as a compliance tool but also as a strategic opportunity. By tightening controls and providing enhanced oversight, Ireland aims to bolster its agricultural standards, making it easier to enter new markets while protecting public health.