The concept of automated pharmacy kiosks is slowly becoming more prevalent.
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The idea of autonomous pharmacies is gaining traction. Recently, startup Queue made its debut with the mission of developing fully autonomous robotic pharmacies. Queue’s system works by receiving sealed pill bottles at one end and dispensing filled prescription vials at the other. The company asserts that it can provide medications at costs up to 96% lower than those of conventional pharmacies and can be implemented in retail locations, hospitals, rural areas, and other places where pharmacy access is limited.
One of Queue’s main investors highlights, “pharmacy faces significant infrastructure challenges. The industry has had to adapt to labor shortages, store closures, and unsustainable economics. Queue has chosen a fundamentally different path by automating the physical fulfillment process. It boasts exceptional founders who are addressing a critical issue with technology that promises substantial impact.”
Adding further credibility to the concept, Amazon Pharmacy introduced a similar venture last year with its automated kiosk model at One Medical sites. These kiosks would dispense frequently needed prescriptions like antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and inhalers. Hannah McClellan, vice president of operations at Amazon Pharmacy, mentioned, “It’s an incredibly satisfactory experience. Leveraging our Amazon playbook, we see a path to enhance all those elements currently burdensome in the pharmacy fulfillment process. We start from the customer and work backwards.”
The involvement of Amazon in this space suggests that startups like Amazon Queue may be on to a promising idea.
Why is this development significant?
Pharmacy fulfillment presents a substantial challenge within the larger American healthcare framework. A study by GoodRx indicates that nearly one-third of Americans forgo filling their prescriptions due to high costs and accessibility issues. Many Americans also face pharmacy deserts, where they lack nearby pharmacy access and must travel long distances for medication. Automated dispensing solutions could potentially improve this access.
However, critical questions persist. In numerous communities, pharmacists provide more than just prescription dispensing; they offer advice, counseling, and valuable insights to patients. For many, particularly in rural areas, interactions with pharmacists may be their closest encounter with regular healthcare due to accessibility challenges and insufficient care infrastructure.
Thus, the essential consideration is that automation should not be seen as a replacement for human expertise, but as a means to enhance and expand it further.
