Robots are the pharmacists of the future for Johannesburg with a new ATM style pharmacy, helping large patient numbers gain access to their medication efficiently.
This new dispensing system works through robotics that are operated by licensed technicians, ensuring shorter wait times and an efficient experience for patients.
The Pharmacy Dispensing Unit or PDU is the ATM-style technology that is used by patients after scanning their identification card. The patient then speaks to a pharmacist through video chat to a call center, so patients can inquire about their medications if needed.
PDU Pharmacy ATM
Once the patients needs are addressed the computer programming will start to process the pill dispenser, adding a label and dispensing the medication through the PDU.
Johannesberg being one of the biggest metros in South Africa needed this program to help with the high volume of patients. The wait time would often take hours and has now been reduced to under an hour average wait time.
A 59-year-old patient, Philida Dladla, in the past would have to wake up early in the morning at 5 am to get her medication and returning home at 7 pm. With the new system she waits 30 minutes and is ensured she will receive her medicine.
This idea has also been implemented in the U.S. in Arizona with a similar dispensing program. With digital prescriptions available on the patient’s phone, then scan the bar-code at the kiosk and enter pin. They also offer a video chat feature if a patient needs to consult a pharmacist. This pharmacy ATM works with the Bayless Health Center and is available directly with the doctor’s office.
This new technology could solve the problem of long wait lines for patient care.
