SANTO DOMINGO.- Since its official launch on July 21, 2022, the DNCD Digital platform has transformed the way in which doctors, pharmacies and citizens interact with the controlled substances control system in the Dominican Republic.
This technological tool, developed by the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), is part of an institutional modernization process that seeks to guarantee transparency, efficiency and safety in the management of controlled medications and in the supervision of related activities.
to the trade and transportation of regulated substances.
One of the most notable features of the platform is the verification of prescriptions
medical, which allows health professionals to validate the authorization of controlled medications
two digitally.
According to data provided by the DNCD, the platform receives a daily average of 750 patients from private centers and 110 from hospitals.
Drugs can only be purchased and dispensed by authorized and certified pharmacies.
the DNCD and DIGEMAPS, ensuring that the distribution chain complies with strict controls.
Currently, 1,259 pharmacies nationwide are registered on the platform, which represents 100% of the pharmacies authorized to market controlled medications under the Class B Controlled Drugs Registration Certificate.
“The implementation of this tool has considerably reduced the diversion of prescription medications, especially anorectics and some benzodiazepines,” indicates the institution.
Among the most popular drugs are tranquilizers, anticonvulsants and weight loss medications.
The platform also validates doctors authorized to prescribe these substances: 4,359 professionals, including 4,218 medical doctors, 94 veterinary doctors and 290 dentists, have access to this system.
José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, president of the DNCD, highlighted during a participation in La Semanal con la Prensa that, “previously, a doctor had to physically take the request to the Drug Control Directorate for approval.
Now, everything is online and in 30 seconds a prescription can be authorized, complying with the rigorous regulation that exists on controlled medications.”
Inspection and clearance of containers The platform has also become a key instrument for the supervision of imports and exports.
The Container Inspection and Clearance Service has made it possible to detect irregularities such as attempts to contaminate legal cargo with controlled substances and falsifications in customs documentation.
Strategy
-Transparency
DNCD Digital is consolidated as a fundamental pillar in the transparency strategy
and institutional modernization, guaranteeing rigorous control.This article was originally published in The Day
