Pharmacy Daily | Dispensary Corner 03 Oct 25

PRESCRIBING medicine is so old-school - why not prescribe a holiday instead?

Sweden has become the first country available on doctor's orders, with patients around the world now able to request a medical referral to visit.

The country is actively working to raise awareness of doctor-recommended activities it offers as alternative treatment options.

These include immersions in nature, and social and cultural activities, which have now been found to have "restorative powers", according to London-based GP, Dr Sam Everington.

A list of experiences detailing specific health benefits - each reviewed by a senior professor - is now available and can be downloaded by the public.

CLICK HERE to check it out.

Furthermore, a global YouGov survey has found nearly seven in 10 doctors in the UK would recommend visiting Sweden as a way to improve health.

More than 80% of UK doctors surveyed said they would consider prescribing a visit to Sweden even if patients did not request one.

The YouGov study found 73% of people had never heard of a social prescription, with 66% saying they would be open to spending time in nature if their physician prescribed it.

Sweden is home to 267,570 islands, and with nearly 70% of the country enjoying forest cover, only 3% of its land area is inhabited.

Stockholm is also home to the world's first urban national park.