Alexandra gets its first ‘meds ATM’

The launch of a state-of-theart ATM pharmacy in Alexandra brings effective medicine dispensing, despite concerns about whether users will be able to adapt to change.

Pharmaceutical technology companies Right to Care and Right ePharmacy collaborated with the Gauteng department of health to develop the Pharmacy Dispensing Unit (PDU) in order to minimise hospital queues and provide patients with their repeat medication in under three minutes.

Right to Care CEO professor Ian Sanne said the ATM was the first to launch in Africa.

“The PDU was developed to ensure accurate dispensing and quick collection,” Sanne said.

He emphasised the convenience of the system, saying its location at Alexandra Plaza was central, with several transport routes.

“Sites in Diepsloot and two sites in Soweto have also been selected for the pilot of this public pharmacy programme,” he said.

However, DA shadow MEC for health Jack Bloom was concerned about the system’s sustainability, citing a similar, broken system at Helen Joseph Hospital which was never repaired.

Bloom also raised concern about elderly users, saying the system should be seen as a trial. “I am concerned if this system is user-friendly.”

Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa CEO Dr Konji Sebati was worried about the safety precautions of the system.

Gauteng MEC Gwen Ramokgopa said the unit would reduce congestion in public healthcare facilities.

The elderly will also be able to have children and grandchildren collect their meds for them.