Find a pharmacy for Barbados Drug Service prescription medication

Last updated on May 15, 2026

You can get prescription medication free at a government polyclinic pharmacy, or for a small dispensing fee at a private pharmacy that takes the government subsidy. This is run through the Special Benefit Service (SBS). The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) pays the pharmacy on your behalf.

What to take to the pharmacy

• your prescription
• original accepted ID for the person the medication is for — a Barbados National Identification (ID) card, passport, driver's licence, or child health book

Photocopies are not accepted.

Collecting for someone else

Medication must be collected in person. This service is not available online. Someone else can collect for you. They will need to bring your prescription, your ID, your permanent residency documents, and their own ID.

Get free or subsidised medication

Some pharmacies can lower or remove the cost of your prescription medication through the Barbados Drug Service, if you qualify — free at government (polyclinic) pharmacies, or at a lower cost at private pharmacies that work with the Drug Service. Not all private pharmacies take part — at those, you pay the full price.

Check who qualifies and what to bring

Prescription slip colours

Prescriptions in Barbados come on different coloured slips. The colour of your slip can affect which pharmacy can fill it.

Check what the prescription slip colours mean (opens in a new tab)

Get help

If a pharmacy will not accept your Drug Service prescription, or you have a problem getting your medication, contact the Drug Service.

Phone: (246) 535-4300

Email: management@drugservice.gov.bb

Website: drugservice.gov.bb

Address: 6th Floor, Warrens Tower II