Last updated on May 15, 2026

What prescription slip colours mean

In Barbados, prescriptions are written on different coloured slips. The colour of the slip — the paper your doctor or clinic gives you — can help show which pharmacy can fill it. Where you can use your prescription also depends on where it came from.

Blue prescription

This is usually from a public polyclinic or outpatient clinic.

You can take it to:

• a government pharmacy
• a participating private pharmacy

At a participating private pharmacy, you pay a fee to prepare your medicine. This is called a dispensing fee.

Yellow or green prescription

This is usually from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

You can take it to:

• the Queen Elizabeth Hospital pharmacy
• some government pharmacies, for selected medicines

If you take it to a participating private pharmacy, you may have to pay the full cost.

Pink or white prescription

This is usually from a private doctor.

You can take it to:

• a government pharmacy
• a participating private pharmacy

At a participating private pharmacy, you pay a fee to prepare your medicine. This is called a dispensing fee. Some medicines may still cost money.

If you are not sure

Ask the pharmacist to check before you pay. You can also contact the Barbados Drug Service.

Phone: (246) 535-4300

Email: management@drugservice.gov.bb

Website: drugservice.gov.bb

Address: 6th Floor, Warrens Tower II