To dispense drugs in TN, 32 self service kiosks to be kept in 32 places
Posted on: 18/Jul/2019 9:50:59 AM
How would you feel when there is no queue at all to get drugs from the pharmacies? Relieved isn’t it!!
On Wednesday, 17th July 2019, chief minister of TN, Mr. E. Palaniswamy, made 11 announcements under rule 110 in the assembly. He revealed that in as many as 32 places like 23 government medical college hospitals, urban primary health centres in cities like Chennai etc self service kiosk that dispenses drugs like an ATM machine would be placed for the benefit of the people.
It must be noted that the machines would dispense drugs for TB and also for chronic ailments like diabetes and BP etc. It was pointed out by the chief minister that by this queue outside pharmacies for getting drugs would be avoided and people don’t have to stand in long queues. To dispense the correct drug, QR code in the prescription would be used and this was as per a senior health department official. An amount of Rs 80 lakhs would be spent to set up 32 such drug dispensing machines and these 32 machines would dispense 32 drugs.
The important information is kiosks would allow the medicines to be stored and dispensed near the point of care while controlling and tracking drug distribution. According to a senior official it is very clear that patients must get benefited by the free medicines provided by the government. Point to be noted is medicines in TN are purchased by the TN Medical Service Corporation and are supplied for free to patients who are treated in the state run hospitals.
With an aim to improve treatment, Patient Support Groups would be established in 47 blocks for those suffering from BP and diabetes issues. For pregnant women with diabetes, a similar programme would take place. This was according to the state health minister, Mr. C. Vijayabaskar. He explained that to undertake a study and to provide technical support for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke etc, TN has sought help from NIE or National Institute of Epidemiology.
It was brought out that the TN state is having plans to rope in private companies under a new scheme. This would be done as a part of image building exercise of the hospitals. It is worthy to mention that the patients experience in the government hospitals would be improved by the hospital management and ‘My Hospital My Pride’ corporates would play an important role.
