Philenews

GHS: Changes from Midnight – Referrals for Lab Tests Valid for a Year – Medicines and New Regulations for Cancer Patients

Published March 26, 2026, 09:15
GHS: Changes from Midnight – Referrals for Lab Tests Valid for a Year – Medicines and New Regulations for Cancer Patients

The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) is promoting changes to the General Health System (GHS) software that will take effect from midnight. These changes affect both the general public and specific patient groups. For the general public, the two most important changes are the extension of the validity of referrals for laboratory tests from 6 months to 12 months and the integration of a barcode system for dispensing prescriptions at GHS pharmacies. The code will be in the patient's electronic file and will allow the pharmacist to access the prescription. For specific patient groups, the changes include the right of doctors to prescribe laboratory tests for cancer patients who already have a referral, as well as the creation of a register of patients with multiple sclerosis. Inclusion in the register will give patients direct access to a neurologist without a referral, at a reduced visit cost. These changes will be made during the GHS software upgrade scheduled for tonight. The goal is to improve the system's operation and better serve beneficiaries.