New online portal for pre-paid prescriptions

The pre-paid certificates allow people to cap the amount they are charged over a set period

Patients who require regular prescriptions for medication can now buy pre-payment certificates online.

Under the new system, patients can download the documents digitally on a phone or tablet, print them off, or request a paper copy.

The certificates are typically used by those who receive regular or multiple prescriptions, to limit the overall cost of the medication by paying for £54 for six months or £19 for four.

Manx Care said the online facility would "streamline" the administration process for patients by making the paperwork available by email.

If paid for on an individual basis, each item on an Isle of Man prescription costs £3.85, with elastic hosiery rising to £7.70.

The pre-paid certificates allow the charges for regular prescriptions to be capped.

Those applying online will need to provide their NHS number, with "pop-up sessions" set to be held across the island to help people get to grips with accessing the new system.

Paper applications remain available for those without access to the internet, with payments accepted over the phone or by post.