Navigating Singapore's Healthcare Evolution: Unveiling the Rise of Telemedicine and E-Pharmacy
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Amid the evolving healthcare landscape in Singapore, the pandemic-induced need for physical distancing has propelled us into an era of digital health services. As we adapt to new norms, the intersection of technology and healthcare has given rise to two transformative solutions – telemedicine and e-pharmacy. In this article, we unveil the distinct roles they play in reshaping healthcare accessibility and patient experiences.
Telemedicine
According to the Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH), telemedicine encompasses a wide range of services wherein doctors virtually interact with other healthcare professionals, providers, caregivers, and/or patients through information communication technologies (ICT) such as video, audio, or text.
Leveraging this technology, doctors can now remotely provide clinical assessments, diagnoses, and management of patients. Such services have alleviated the burden on the healthcare sector, as patients with milder symptoms or those who are unable to physically visit the clinics may opt for telemedicine platforms. Meanwhile, those with more severe symptoms can access face-to-face medical attention promptly. This technology enhances healthcare accessibility for patients with diverse medical conditions. Telemedicine proves particularly valuable for cases not necessitating physical examinations, such as discussing symptoms, receiving medication recommendations, or managing follow-up care for chronic conditions.
E-Pharmacy
E-pharmacies operate by virtually managing and dispensing patients' medications before delivering them. Even as the services have transitioned online, pharmacists continue to perform pivotal roles including medication counselling such as drug interactions and side effects to patients. Unlike physical pharmacies, wait times are significantly shorter, providing greater convenience for patients. Patients can now focus on rest and recovery rather than waiting in lines for their prescriptions. This service also provides patients with an added option of obtaining their chronic medication refills through the e-pharmacies.
In Singapore, pharmacies seeking to provide virtual dispensing services are required to obtain a licence from the Health Science Authority (HSA). As a HSA-approved e-pharmacy, Glovida-Rx now empowers patients to order a comprehensive range of medicines including OTC, Pharmacy Only and Prescription Only Medicines through the online platform. Pharmacy medicines, which can be dispensed by a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescriptions are generally designed to address "self-limiting" conditions, which can be assessed and treated by pharmacists (Bell, 2019). Examples of such conditions range from mild infections (like the common cold, flu, conjunctivitis) to general symptoms (such as headaches or back pain). Pharmacy Only Medicine plays a vital role in alleviating discomfort and expediting the recovery process for patients.
Similar to telemedicine, e-pharmacists communicate with patients through telecommunication technology. This technology has expanded the accessibility of pharmacists, enabling more convenient medicinal consultations and follow-ups for patients with concerns. It is advisable for patients to consult pharmacists for medicine-related queries, as it is more reliable to consult professionals trained in pharmacology than relying on unverified sources. Afterall, consultations with our pharmacists are complimentary.
At Glovida-Rx, our friendly e-pharmacists are eager to assist with medication purchases and inquiries. Contact us via WhatsApp at 8101 5555 or email pharmacist@glovida-rx.com.sg for prompt answers to your medication-related questions.
