Are the drug and dietary supplement vending machines coming?

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 09. 02. 10:53

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The soon-to-be widely available medicine vending machines, which are currently operating on an experimental basis at two locations, could completely transform the Hungarian pharmaceutical and drugstore market. According to IMG Group’s Pegasus Informatikai Kft., the exclusive distributor of the machines, the technology can revolutionize health care not only in big cities, but also in small towns, where it was not economical to maintain a pharmacy until now.

Vending machines allow patients to access certain pharmacy products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, significantly increasing the availability of pharmacy services. According to Pegasus’ announcement, the devices are not only cost-effective, but also open up a new sales channel for pharmacies, which can further increase their efficiency.

This is especially important in small towns where it is currently not worth running a pharmacy. Vending machines can also ensure the availability of basic medicines, dietary supplements and hygiene products in such areas. According to the IMG Group, MedyBox machines also offer a discreet purchase option, for example condoms or intimate hygiene products, which many people may find inconvenient to buy in person.

Although the technology would already be ready for the automated dispensing of prescription drugs, the current Hungarian regulations do not yet allow this. At the moment, only over-the-counter medicinal preparations, such as vitamins, formulas and herbal teas, are available from the vending machines. However, according to Pegasus, in the future, by amending the legislation, the automated sale of OTC (non-prescription) products could become possible, which could further expand the range of accessible products.