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Many ways for polyclinics to deliver medicine to patients

I applaud the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics’ efforts to improve service delivery for its patients in innovative ways (New lockers at 7-11 stores let polyclinic patients pick up medicine all day; July 20). Allowing patients to collect their medication near their home alleviates the polyclinics’ patient load and provides convenience for patients.

I applaud the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics’ efforts to improve service delivery for its patients in innovative ways (New lockers at 7-11 stores let polyclinic patients pick up medicine all day; July 20). Allowing patients to collect their medication near their home alleviates the polyclinics’ patient load and provides convenience for patients.

To increase the take-up rate, more publicity and a better selection of patient profiles deemed suitable for the scheme, which started in March, could help. The scheme complements the delivery of medication to patients’ homes. It was noted, however, that deliveries may not fit patients’ schedules.

Polyclinics could consider “uber-ising” the delivery service, whereby patients could register their availability using an app.

A rider could then collect their medication from a predetermined location and send it to the patient’s home within an hour.

Also, polyclinics could consider working with retail pharmacies for patients to pick up medication at their stores. Patients could simultaneously seek clarifications on their medication from pharmacists in the store. There would no doubt be a challenge resolving the financial and logistical issues with vendors, such as drivers and pharmacies.

Polyclinics should continue exploring options to deliver safer, faster and cheaper services for their patients.

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