Family doctors have been granted the authority to write out six months' worth of prescriptions for patients with chronic conditions.

The measure, announced by the Health Ministry in a statement this morning, will allow private physicians to write out three prescriptions valid for two months each in one go. 

Currently, patients with chronic conditions must visit their doctor every two months to receive an updated prescription. The new system means they will have to make the visit just twice a year.

There are an estimated 50,000 people living with chronic conditions who receive free medication as part of the pharmacy-of-your-choice scheme. 

Health Minister Chris Fearne said the revised prescription system was being extended to family doctors following a positive response to the scheme from patients visiting health centres.

"We first started the scheme among health centre doctors. Not only did we reduce patient loads, but it also allowed doctors to better manage their time," he said. 

Health centres have also introduced a computerised prescription system, Mr Fearne said, with more than 70,000 such prescriptions issued over the past year.