Doha, 18 April, 2016

Two state of the art pharmacy "robots" (MACH 4 Omnicell) that combined can dispense 1200 prescriptions per hour were today officially inaugurated at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) by Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, the Minister of Public Health.

The biggest of its kind in the region, the MACH 4 Omnicell will significantly reduce the amount of time patients spend waiting for their medications in the pharmacy.

The new robotic pharmacy system will be able to dispense 1200 medications each hour and will enable HMC's highly trained pharmacists to spend more one-on-one time with each patient. The new equipment will be fully integrated with the new Clinical Information System (CIS), meaning a better patient experience and less likelihood of human error in reading the scripts.

It is the second automated pharmacy system installed in an HMC hospital, with a similar one operating at Al Wakra Hospital.

The system is actually two robots combined - the Medimat and the Speedbox which work together to manage dispensary for both complex prescriptions as well as for fast moving items that are in high demand. The total stock capacity for both is 14,000 packs.

"This will mean a shorter wait time for our patients and our highly trained pharmacists will be able to spend more time with each patient, imparting vital information and education about their medications," said H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari.

"We are always looking at ways to improve the patient experience and this is an excellent example of this commitment. New technology, services and processes have been implemented to improve quality and patient experience at all HMC hospitals and facilities. 

HMC's focus on continuous improvement and quality was recently recognized by the Joint Commission International (JCI) when HMC became the first healthcare system across the globe to have all of its hospitals accredited by the JCI under the Academic Medical Center program.

The new system has the capacity to not only dispense the medications in a more timely manner, but it can carry two days' supply of medications, reducing the need to "downtime" to restock. It also has a special section for "fast moving medications" for conditions like diabetes and blood pressure which can be dispensed quickly.

Dr. Haleema Al Tamimi, Director of Pharmacy at HGH, said under the previous manual system, around 1800 prescriptions were handled daily.

"The implementation of this technology means we will be able to dispense medications more efficiently," Dr. Al Tamimi said adding: "When integrated with the CIS, which goes live at the HGH soon, patients will only have to show their health card to pharmacy staff to receive their medications, making for a more seamless patient experience."                                       

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About Hamad Medical Corporation
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar and one of the leading hospital providers in the Middle East.

For more than three decades, HMC has been dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all its patients.

HMC manages eight hospitals - five specialist hospitals and three community hospitals - as well as the National Ambulance Service and has home and residential care.

In January 2016, HMC achieved the significant distinction of becoming the first healthcare system across the globe to have all its hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International under the Academic Medical Center accreditation program. Additionally, the National Ambulance Service, Home Healthcare Service, Stroke Service and Palliative Care, have all received this prestigious accreditation since 2011.

To meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, HMC has announced ambitious plans to expand capacity across its network through to 2030. This expansion plan includes four new hospitals in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City.

HMC is leading the development of the region's first academic health system - combining innovative research, top-class education and excellent clinical care - and is committed to building a legacy of healthcare expertise in Qatar. HMC collaborates with key partners who are experts in Qatar and beyond, including Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Partners Healthcare, Boston.

HMC is also the first hospital system in the Middle East to achieve institutional accreditation from the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education - International (ACGME-I), which demonstrates excellence in the way medical graduates are trained through residency, internship and fellowship programs.

For more information please visit: www.hamad.qa or contact Noimot Olayiwola, Media Project Manager Tel: (00974) 44390945; Mobile: (00974) 55568709; Email: nolayiwola@hamad.qa

© Press Release 2016