Pharmacy-only medicines can now be accessed via new smart vending machines at Changi General Hospital.

Developed by pharmacists, the Pharmacy Smart Interface System (PharmaSis) has been authorised by the Health Sciences Authority in April to dispense pharmacy-only medicines with guidance from a CGH pharmacist via teleconsultation. 

HOW IT WORKS

A user first seeks a teleconsultation with a CGH pharmacist, who will then assess them before recommending appropriate health advice and medications. They will be guided on selecting medicines, which include those for common minor ailments such as cough, colds, diarrhoea, constipation, and fever. PharmaSis also dispenses a range of OTC medicines, as well as hearing aid batteries and other audiology products. 

PharmaSis has smart safety features that ensure medication safety and quality. It is built with an automated temperature and humidity control system for storing medicines. It provides pharmacists with a real-time video feed of the dispensing process to check if it dispenses the correct type and quality of medicines. It also has an interactive screen that displays key information on OTC medicines to help consumers in selecting medicines. 

WHY IT MATTERS

CGH pharmacists sought to transform the way pharmacy-only medicines are being dispensed in Singapore. They intended to provide customers with "timely and convenient access" to these medicines while also empowering them to manage their own health. 

The hospital is now looking to deploy PharmaSis machines at community centres in Simei and the CGH Community Nursing Posts. It is also considering extending the teleconsultation hours for accessing pharmacy-only medicines.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Two years ago, a similar vending concept was introduced by Fullerton Health, powered by US-based SmartRx's proprietary drug dispensing hardware and software, to increase access to healthcare for thousands of migrant workers in Singapore amid the pandemic-induced lockdown.

In Malaysia, health tech startup Qmed Asia is also supporting employees' health by developing and launching the Qmed GO workplace telehealth kiosk. It features medical IoT devices that can measure up to 16 vital parameters, which are then transmitted to and accessed via a patient app and employer dashboard. 

Docty in India has also developed its own telehealth kiosks, which are being set up across rural and urban poor communities in the country to improve healthcare access.

ON THE RECORD

PharmaSis is but one of the growing range of technological innovations that CGH Pharmacy is working on to enhance patient and community care. It has been actively developing solutions, including the use of automation in medicine storage and packing and medicine delivery.

"CGH’s dedication toward innovation is deeply ingrained in our Pharmacy team. We continually explore and implement smart solutions to connect with patients, enhance their care experience and improve health and medication literacy, with the aim of optimising patients’ health outcomes and helping them stay healthy," said CGH Head of Pharmacy Dr Jonathan Seah.