Pharmacists have expressed interest in medicine vending machines that would allow consumers to pick up prescription drugs out of hours.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia last week said the ATM-style machines, gaining popularity in the US, could have a role in Australia for stable patients on regular medication. But it stressed the idea would have to be thoroughly investigated and strictly policed.
PSA national president Brian Grogan said: “There are advantages if a pharmacy doesn’t open after hours and has one of these machines to provide a service to patients. But there would have to be some pretty strict controls.”
Three American states opened the way for electronic drug dispensers to go into use this year, allowing the public out-of-hours access to common prescription medicines and cutting costs.
A consumer phones ahead to order a prescription, which the pharmacist fills and places into the vending machine. The consumer picks up the prescription later, keying in a password or code.
Dispensed drugs can include asthma and blood pressure medications and contraceptive pills.
Mr. Grogan said there were disadvantages in that patients would lose contact with pharmacists who could monitor conditions. But he said for regular repeat prescriptions, where the patient was stable, there could be advantages.