Pharmacy-only medicines can now be accessed through new smart vending machines at Changi General Hospital.
Developed by pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Smart Interface System (PharmaSis) was authorized in April by the Health Sciences Authority to dispense pharmacy-only drugs with the guidance of a pharmacist. CGH through remote consultation.
HOW IT WORKS
Users first seek remote consultation with a CGH pharmacist, who will then evaluate them before recommending appropriate health and medication advice. They will be taught how to choose medications, including those for common minor ailments such as coughs, colds, diarrhea, constipation and fever. PharmaSis also distributes a variety of OTC medications, as well as hearing aid batteries and other audiology products.
PharmaSis has intelligent safety features that ensure drug safety and quality. It is built with an automatic temperature and humidity control system for drug storage. It provides pharmacists with a real-time video feed of the dispensing process to check that it is dispensing the correct drug type and quality. It also has an interactive screen that displays key information about OTC drugs to help consumers choose their medications.
WHY IT IMPORTANT
CGH pharmacists have sought to change the way drugs are dispensed only to pharmacies in Singapore. They intend to provide customers with “timely and convenient access” to these drugs while empowering them to manage their own health.
The hospital is currently looking to deploy PharmaSis machines at community centers in Simei and CGH Community Nursing Stations. It is also considering extending the teleconsultation period to access pharmacy-only drugs.
MARKET SUMMARY
Two years ago, a similar vending concept was introduced by Fullerton Health, powered by US-based SmartRx’s proprietary drug delivery hardware and software, aims to increase healthcare access for thousands of migrant workers in Singapore amid a backdrop lockdown caused by the pandemic.
In Malaysia, medical technology startup Qmed Asia is also supporting the health of its employees by developing and launching products Qmed GO workplace telehealth kiosk. It features medical IoT devices that can measure up to 16 critical parameters, which are then transmitted to and accessed through the patient app and employer dashboard.
document in India has also developed its own telehealth kiosks, which are being set up across the rural and urban poor communities in the country to improve access to care. health.
ON PROFILE
PharmaSis is just one of the growing technological innovations CGH Pharmacy is making to enhance patient and community care. It has been actively developing solutions, including the use of automation in drug storage, packaging and transportation.
“CGH’s dedication to innovation is ingrained in our team of Pharmacists. We are constantly discovering and implementing smart solutions to connect with patients, enhancing the care experience. their health and improve understanding of health and medicine, with the aim of optimizing patients’ health outcomes and keeping them healthy,” said CGH’s Dean of Pharmacy, Dr. Jonathan Seah.
