"ATM
pharmacy" launched in South Africa, patient waiting times cut to under 3
minutes
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An ‘ATM pharmacy’ that gives patients with
chronic illnesses their repeat medication in under three minutes was officially
opened in Alexandra today.
The innovative Pharmacy Dispensing Unit™ (PDU™)
is the first of its kind in Africa and was developed by a team comprising
experts from Right to Care and Right ePharmacy in collaboration with the
Gauteng Department of Health. The Pharmacy Dispensing Unit works like an ATM
for medication, with Skype-like audio-visual interaction between patient and
tele-pharmacists, cloud based electronic software and robotic technology to
dispense and label medication.
Right to Care CEO, Professor Ian Sanne says, “Our
partnerships made this innovation possible and we are grateful to the Gauteng
Provincial Health Department and for the contributions of USAID, GIZ who are
implementing on behalf of the German Government and Mach4. The PDUTM was
developed to ensure accurate dispensing and quick collection. A clinically
stable patient on chronic medication can be given the option to collect chronic
prescriptions from the PDUTM pharmacy. While driven by sophisticated
technology, patients’ concerns and information needs are still handled
one-on-one by tele-pharmacists.
Manning the Pharmacy Dispensing Unit |
Sanne added, “Alexandra Plaza, where our first
PDU is located, is a central community shopping centre which is on transport
routes and it is open on weekends and public holidays. Sites in Diepsloot and
two sites in Soweto have also been selected for the pilot of this public
pharmacy programme.”
Gauteng Health MEC, Gwen Ramokgopa, says, “This
is a great step forward for patients in our city as it dramatically reduces
waiting times and congestion in public healthcare facilities. In Alex, there
are eight primary healthcare clinics in the vicinity which refer patients.
“The system is run by qualified pharmacists and
pharmacy assistants and integrates with the clinical management of patients
with chronic conditions at public facilities. It also supports adherence. The
date for the next collection is shown on the receipt the patient receives when
collecting medication and prescription collection reminders are sent by SMS.
Late collections are immediately flagged for follow up. It also offers patients
service in all eleven languages and there is support at the site to help
patients deal with the technology.”
Sophisticated
technology notwithstanding, patients’ concerns and information needs are still
handled one-on-one by tele-pharmacists
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US Charge d’Affaires Jessica Lapenn explains,
“This ATM-like approach to dispensing medication demonstrates innovative
thinking to overcome challenges we encounter in ensuring people stay on HIV
treatment or treatment for other chronic illnesses. We are pleased to have
partnered with Right to Care on this and other innovations for people living
with HIV. The Pharmacy Dispensing Unit is a unique solution that uses
technology to move beyond traditional healthcare delivery. It is a wonderful
example of commitment by the United States Government to the people of South
Africa through PEPFAR to help create a safer, healthier, and brighter future
for South Africans.”
“Improving access to medication is key,” said
Klaus Streicher, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Pretoria. “The
PDU promises to significantly improve people’s ability to deal with their
illnesses. The German government is pleased to be a part of this
multi-stakeholder partnership which brings together government, international
donors and the private sector.”
Medicine is dispensed in a simple 5-step process:
Patient scans barcode ID book, ID card or pharmacy card and enters PIN
Patient talks to a remote pharmacist
The prescription and or items are selected
The medicine is robotically dispensed and labelled and drops in the collection slot
Patient takes receipt which indicates next collection date.
Fanie Hendriksz, managing director of Right ePharmacy comments, “This pharmacy enhances access to quality pharmaceutical services and improves patient convenience. The early benefits have shown valuable patient and community data trends that are needed to improve patient outcomes. The technology is making it easier for people with various illnesses to have access to medication, ultimately improving adherence.”
Originally published on GBC GHANA and EWN
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