The Ontario government has approved the use of drug dispensing machines for rollout across the province, after a successful pilot project at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The remote dispensing machines will allow for 24/7 access to pharmacy services, thereby increasing access for people living in remote and rural areas of Ontario.
This new technology allows patients to interact with an off-site, Ontario-registered pharmacist who is able to remotely dispense a prescription from the machine. The experience is similar to a person visiting a pharmacy because the patient consults with the pharmacist using a two-way video system. The patient inserts the prescription into the machine, which is then scanned and reviewed by the pharmacist. Once the prescription is verified, the pharmacist authorizes and supervises the machine as the drugs are dispensed. Narcotics will not be dispensed through these machines.
For more information go to: www.health.gov.on.ca