A new computer system is being introduced in an effort to stop medical prescription fraud in Northern Ireland.
The system will attempt to halt claims from National Health Service (NHS) patients who are not entitled to them seeking free prescriptions.
The system will provide a measure of "joined-up" government by cross-referencing records of NHS claimants with social security details to check on eligibility.
If successful, it is estimated the new computer system measures will save the department a projected £4 million (€5.8 million) per year.
False free prescription claims currently cost the department up to £8 million (€11.6 million) it has been estimated.
The Electronic Prescribing and Eligibility System is expected to be up and running within two years.