SAMI ABDEL RAOUF (DUBAI)

The Emirates Health Services (EHS) announced that 36,758 medical prescriptions have been delivered to patients through the “Your Medicines to Your Doorstep” initiative this year as of September, bringing the total number to 85,474 medical prescriptions delivered from 2022 through September, 2023.

In response to inquiries from Aletihad, the foundation pointed out that there has been a significant increase in the demand for the service. EHS attributed the surge in demand to increased awareness and knowledge among patients about the ease of obtaining the service, which saves time and effort, and reduces crowding at healthcare facilities.

EHS clarified that the medication dispensing service through the “Your Medicines to Your Doorstep” initiative is available in all healthcare facilities affiliated with EHS, whether in hospitals or primary healthcare centres. The institution emphasised that the service covers all categories concerned with medication delivery to homes, benefiting all citizens across the Emirates. It also noted that the elderly and people of determination are among the priority groups for the service.

Regarding the support provided by the initiative to the quality of healthcare, the foundation reported that the service aims to contribute to achieving the national agenda, supporting the quality of healthcare, and enhancing sustainability in service delivery. Additionally, it aims to make patients happy by delivering their medications to their homes, improving the quality of work, and protecting patients and their families from the risk of infection.

The initiative focuses on the customer and aims to understand their visions and expectations to ensure they receive a service that exceeds their aspirations. In line with the measures aimed at complying with preventive instructions and guidelines to contribute to limiting the spread of infection, the home delivery service of medications seeks to ensure the safe provision of patients’ medication needs.

The beneficiary of the service is not required to personally visit the pharmacy, especially the elderly and chronic patients. To ensure environmental, social, and financial sustainability, the initiative ensures the sustainability of its operations and services to the best extent possible.

The institution emphasised that the service is characterised by quality and efficiency. Medications are prepared on the same day they are dispensed, and are categorised based on their storage temperature into specialised refrigerated and non-refrigerated bags.

The medication’s journey from the pharmacy to the recipient is monitored through a smart electronic system. In case of any changes in temperature and humidity that could compromise the medication, delivery to the patient is stopped, according to the medication delivery policy.

The service includes a satisfaction measurement, as a text message is sent to the recipient after receiving the service, which includes a questionnaire to measure feedback.

The institution also ensures that customers are educated about verifying the receipt of the correct medications and checking the quantities mentioned on the package before signing the receipt. In case of any inquiries or issues in delivery, a service coordinator at each healthcare facility is available for contact.