Icelandic Directorate of Health investigates twenty doctors for irregular medication prescriptions

The Icelandic Directorate of Health is currently investigating the prescription practices of twenty doctors following numerous reports of possibly irregular medication prescriptions, particularly concerning addictive substances. This number marks a significant increase compared to the previous four years.

The investigation emerged after the Directorate received complaints from various sources, including pharmacies, healthcare professionals, and health insurance companies. Letters have been sent to the doctors involved, providing them an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Most of the cases focus on the prescribing of dependency-inducing medications.

According to the Directorate, this is an unusually high number of doctors under investigation simultaneously, highlighting a rising concern around prescription practices in the country. However, the agency deems it unlikely that severe actions, such as the revocation of medical licenses, will be implemented. Instead, a warning is considered a more probable response.

As the investigation progresses, the Directorate emphasizes its commitment to addressing all reports and concerns received, aiming to maintain the integrity of medical prescribing practices in Iceland.