Get free or subsidised medication

Last updated on May 15, 2026

The Barbados Drug Service can make some prescription medications free or cheaper through the government subsidy (officially the Special Benefit Service). This page explains who can get help, what to bring, and what it costs.

• free at government (polyclinic) pharmacies
• at a lower cost at private pharmacies that work with the Drug Service

Who can get help with medication costs

You can get help if you are a Barbadian citizen or permanent resident, or you are covered by CARICOM free movement.

[FLAG — confirm with BDS: does eligibility extend to CARICOM/OECS nationals?]

One of these must also apply:

• you need medication for diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy or glaucoma (any age)
• you are under 16
• you are 65 or over

You will also need:

• a prescription from a doctor registered with the Medical Council of Barbados — the doctor can work in the public or private health service
• a prescription for a medication on the Barbados National Drug Formulary

The Barbados National Drug Formulary is the list of medications covered by the Drug Service.

Check if your medication is listed (opens in a new tab)

What if my medication is not listed?

Ask your doctor:

• if there is another listed medication you can use
• if they can ask for special approval

Special approval is only for government pharmacy use.

What to take to the pharmacy

• the prescription
• original accepted ID for the person the medication is for

Accepted ID can be:

• Barbados National Identification (ID) card
• Barbados passport
• Barbados driver's licence
• child health book, if the medication is for a child

Photocopies are not accepted.

What you may pay

Some medications may still cost money.

• At a government pharmacy, there is no fee to prepare your medication.
• At a private pharmacy that works with the Drug Service, you pay a fee to prepare your medication. This is called a dispensing fee. The amount depends on the medication.
• At a private pharmacy that is not part of the Drug Service, you pay the full price.

Prescription colour

The colour of your prescription slip — the paper your doctor or clinic gives you — can affect which pharmacies can fill it.

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

Need help at the pharmacy?

You may need help if:

• your ID is not accepted
• the pharmacy asks you to pay more than expected
• the pharmacy is out of stock

Contact the Drug Service.

Phone: (246) 535-4300

Email: management@drugservice.gov.bb

Website: drugservice.gov.bb

Address: 6th Floor, Warrens Tower II