KUALA LUMPUR: Over-the-counter (OTC) medication is now available 24 hours a day, via a pharmaceutical giant's innovative, smart vending machine.
Pharmaniaga Bhd has introduced its "RoyalePharma 24/7" machines that will be available soon at major public locations in the country.
Its deputy managing director Mohamed Iqbal Abdul Rahman told the New Straits Times that 100 machines would be made available initially in the Klang Valley, over the next few months.
The aim, he said, was to install over 1,000 machines throughout the country in three years.
"With the concept of 'Grab-and-Go' in mind, these machines will be located at high-population density, busy public and residential areas, petrol station kiosks, universities, light rail (and mass rapid) transit stations and government clinics to meet the needs of consumers who want to purchase products easily.
"Pharmaniaga remains committed to meeting the needs of consumers who are always concerned with the simple need to purchase medicine, a hassle-free way," he said when introducing the machine at the "Government Linked Company (GLC) Open Day" at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Jalan Pinang recently.
Present were Pharmaniaga chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Mohd Rafique, executive director Zulkifli Jafar and corporate services deputy director Datuk Zuhri Iskandar Kamarzaman.
The smart vending machine was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at the "GLC Open Day".
Iqbal said that the introduction of the RoyalePharma 24/7 was the first step in improving OTC drug purchases and was part of the company's plan to move into the telemedicine market.
"Today's ever-busy consumers are very concerned about something that is easy to find or buy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"It has now become common to use automated, self-service facilities for banking, or purchasing fast-food and beverages, reducing the need to travel far," Iqbal said.
He added that the machines would also allow consumers an alternate source to make purchases after office hours or well after the operating hours of pharmacies, especially during emergencies.
"The machines are very conducive to use as they reduce interaction among the public, as the country enters the transition endemic phase of Covid-19.
"Among the products the machine can vend are Covid-19 self-test kits, prophylactic pills, eye care, first-aid, muscle relaxation, oral health care, skin treatment and medicines for mild ailments such as fever, coughs and colds," he said, adding that the machines could each stock up 60 types of products.
Iqbal said the machines facilitated "digital interface", cashless purchases via e-wallet payment by scanning of a QR code displayed with their mobile phones.
"After making the payment, users will receive their product through the vending machine and can scan the e-receipt for their personal records.
"This is Pharmaniaga's initiative to support the 'Go Green' campaign with paperless transactions," said Iqbal.