U.K’s prescription vending machines: Hassle or convenience?

Vending machines in U.K. might soon pop out our prescriptions, if Sainsbury's testing of drug delivery machine is done successfully. Sainsbury, U.K.’s supermarket chain has begun the testing in its Essex stores. For the user to use the machine he/she must have unique ID/fingerprint with a special PIN code to identify themselves. Once the user gains access into the machine he/she enters the prescription information, picked up by a pharmacist. The pharmacist (real and not some robot) after going through the prescription puts the required material in the machine, so that the customer can procure it. Well, it might seem to be a blessing for people not having time to go to the store. But, if we look at it closely, it will only cause hassle for the user, as he/she would have to remember the pin code and all. And, taking in consideration that a pharmacist will go through the prescription before putting the medicines in the machine, it might take some time for all the people to get the required things from the machine unless the company wants to install ten machines in one place.

prescription vending machine

However, while I sit here and criticize it, there is another drug dispensary being put to test in U.K. hospitals this winter. The difference here is that this one will be more interactive due to the presence of video screen. By using this, the user will be able to engage with the pharmacist directly and pharmacist can go through the prescription, check the id. And, on doing so, machine can deliver the medicine on spot. Okay, kudos to the effort and might as well extend common man’s reach to the drug store, as David Miller, chief pharmacist at City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, says, “There are many occasions where a full pharmacy service is currently uneconomic. This machine extends the reach of the pharmacist and provides increased access for the patient to a safe medication supply. This technology is an enabler, not a replacement for pharmacists." But, I feel these machines are more of a hassle than a convenience, as time taken here will be much more than the time we take at the drug store, owing to the complexities of IDs and other things involved.

Via: Switched