KUCHING: Drive-thru pharmacy services in the state were launched in order to resolve the problems encountered by patients during their medicine collection visits.
Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin stated that inadequate parking space at the health facility, congestion at the pharmacy waiting area and also long waiting time were some of the reasons why the drive-thru pharmacy was introduced.
“This drive-thru pharmacy service provides a convenient alternative to the standard method of collecting one’s follow-up or subsequent medicine at the pharmacy.
“However, patients need to register for the service before collection. Their medicine will be prepared before the appointment date; thus, no waiting is needed when they come over,” he said during the opening ceremony of Tudan Health Clinic drive-thru pharmacy.
Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman, mentioned that amid the pandemic, the drive-thru pharmacy service was among measures to improve protection and safety for staff and patients.
“The patients will receive their medicine from the drive-thru window. Of course, the medicine will be checked, labelled, and packed in advance so that the patient will not need to exit the vehicle.”
“The drive-thru service here (Tudan) will operate from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays while on Fridays, it will be closed from 11.45am to 2.15pm.
“This service is to collect balance medication only and for first-timers who are taking medication, they must be at the counter for counselling and assessment purposes.
“In addition, the medication prepared for this service is only kept for three days in the drive-thru, after the third day, the medication will be returned to the pharmacy and the patient will then need to take it from there.”
He also mentioned that the patient would be given a card with the date for collection at the drive-thru so that they could immediately collect their medication on the date.
