The over-the-counter medicine vending machine dispenses more than 60 medicines for mild and common ailments.

 

Homegrown Essentials Pharmacy, a business of HST Medical in Singapore, together with SmartRx and the Jalan Kayu Zone 5 RC, has launched the first neighbourhood OTC (over-the-counter) medicine vending machine with tele-consultation support to serve residents in Serangoon North Ave 3/4 around the clock.

More than 60 OTC medicines for mild and common ailments for adults and children are now available in times of need, 24/7, near their homes. Equipped with a real-time tele-consultation feature, users can opt for a remote consultation with a pharmacist for enquiries about which medicine to purchase and how to use them right from the kiosk.

Led by experienced pharmacists, Essentials Pharmacy’s management strongly believes that self-help healthcare support should be near homes to provide relief from minor ailments whenever someone is in need, and pharmacists can play a more active role in the community to ensure the safety of medicine usage. The launch of co-branded Essentials Pharmacy and SmartRx Telehealth Kiosk takes Essential Pharmacy a step closer to this mission.

The Essentials Pharmacy and SmartRx Telehealth Kiosk contains more than 60 OTC medication for relieving common ailments such as mild allergies, common cold and influenza symptoms, fever, headaches, menstrual pain, muscle and joint pain, sore and dry eyes, diarrhoea, gastritis, indigestion, nausea, urinary tract infection, haemorrhoid, skin itch and rashes, and first aid items.

For users who are unsure of which product to use, or has enquiries about dosage, the machine provides a pharmacist consulting option. They can contact Essentials Pharmacy via an option on the screen and reach a pharmacist for real-time advice, within the pharmacy’s operating hours.

“Singapore faces an ageing population, with rising chronic diseases and more elderly living on their own. Pharmacists can play a key role in providing guidance and support on preventive health and self-management of health conditions closer to homes,” said Simone Tan, pharmacist and general manager, Essentials Pharmacy.

Added Tong Ping Heng, managing director, SmartRx: “The machine provides convenience of OTC medicines 24/7 to nearby residents, without the need for commute or long queues. It is also customised to ensure that a pharmacist can visually check that the right medication has been dispensed, if the user requires assistance from a pharmacist. In addition, the machine is part of a modular system.

“A private consultation room with self-help guide can be added to the kiosk in the future. Residents who wants to monitor their blood pressure, blood glucose, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature and weight can use the facilities, by following an easy self-help guide. Automated and self-service facilities are more common and well-accepted today, and this is the right time to introduce more accessible healthcare in Singapore.”

The Essentials Pharmacy & SmartRx Telehealth Kiosk is installed at Blk 536 Serangoon North Ave 4.