Northern Ireland's health service will replace paper prescriptions with a digital system under a £42 million ePharmacy programme.

The investment forms part of a £102.6 million Transformation Fund announced earlier this week by Finance Minister John O'Dowd.

Ministers visited Carryduff Pharmacy to view the planned changes, which will allow prescriptions to transfer electronically from GP practices to pharmacies.

The programme aims to improve safety by reducing errors, cut administrative workload for GPs and pharmacy staff, and give patients faster access to medicines.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the system will support a neighbourhood model of care by expanding clinical services available in community pharmacies.

Over 200,000 patients visit GP practices each week in Northern Ireland, with more than 45 million prescription items supplied annually in primary care.

Gerard Greene of Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland said the digital infrastructure will modernise record-keeping and support the rollout of electronic prescriptions.

Dr Ursula Mason, Chair of Royal College of GPs NI, said the change will reduce paper use and associated carbon emissions.

The remaining £60.6 million from the fund will support other health projects and services for children and families.