Once a prescription request is approved, beneficiaries receive a text message containing a unique code, the device’s location, and the status of their request

King Salman Hospital located in the northwestern region of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, has introduced an innovative automated medication dispensing machine, the first in the world. The machine marks a significant advancement in the distribution of medications, eliminating the need for patients to physically visit the hospital.

It operates through a sophisticated system that includes a workstation designed to process prescription barcodes. An interactive screen facilitates communication with beneficiaries, accompanied by a specialized operating system. A messaging platform is integrated into the machine, enabling real-time notifications to recipients while their medications are being packaged in preparation for delivery.

One of the standout features of this machine is its storage capacity, which ranges from accommodating 102 to 700 medical prescriptions. This makes it proficient in filling prescriptions that involve multiple medications. The system ensures a high level of security against potential damage, tampering, or theft.

🇸🇦 #SaudiArabia is going to the next level in technology adoption.

An innovative capsule in King Salman Hospital in #Tabuk, through which medicines are dispensed around the clock without human intervention 🇸🇦🤩. pic.twitter.com/J7mesrTVsZ

— Life in Saudi Arabia (@LifeSaudiArabia) August 27, 2023

Beneficiaries of this innovative system can access statistical data regarding their dispensed medications on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis. The process begins with beneficiaries submitting their prescription requests by scanning the barcode attached to their prescriptions.

Olayan Alatawy, the director of the hospital’s pharmacy department, explained that users then proceed to provide necessary information and choose the nearest dispensing machine according to their location. The prescription details are subsequently verified by a pharmacist through an electronic system.

Once a prescription request is approved, beneficiaries receive a text message containing a unique code, the device’s location, and the status of their request. After receiving this notification, beneficiaries can retrieve their medications from the machine within 48 hours. This involves entering the verification code received on their phone and filling in the required information.

Also read: Cancer, sclerosis drugs in WHO’s updated essential medicines list