Prescription drugs from a vending machine?

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE

************************* Filling prescriptions to get easier

McGuinty government supports innovative models for drug dispensing

TORONTO - (May 6) - Ontario is proposing to make it more convenient for patients to get their drug prescriptions filled by allowing remote dispensing across the province. Legislation to be introduced in the coming days would, if passed, amend the Drug and Pharmacies Regulations Act (DPRA) and the Ontario Drug Benefit Act (ODBA) to allow prescriptions to be filled without the pharmacist being physically present.

This remote dispensing could be done by:

- Patients using a dispensing machine [not exactly as illustrated] to fill a prescription while speaking to the pharmacist through built-in video conferencing. - Pharmacy technicians dispensing drugs under the supervision of a pharmacist who is connected by a video link-up. - Mail order where medications for chronic conditions are dispensed and delivered regularly to patients' homes.

Some of the benefits associated with remote dispensing would include:

- Increasing access to medication and improving convenience for patients (especially those in remote areas of the province). - Supporting new business development and made-in-Ontario technologies. - Potentially reducing the cost of drug distribution.

To help ensure patient safety, the Ontario College of Pharmacists would be responsible for accrediting, monitoring and enforcing the regulatory requirements for these new types of drug dispensing systems.

Quotes "Remote drug dispensing is beginning to emerge as a viable alternative to the traditional pharmacy. We want to make it easier for patients to get the medications they need, and we want to do it in a way that ensures patient safety and is cost effective." - David Caplan, minister of health and long-term care.

Quick facts - As a pilot project that began in June 2008, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has two dispensing machines in use - one for outpatients and one for inpatients. - Made-in-Ontario technology is being used in the pilot.

- Narcotics will not be available through remote dispensing capabilities.

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