National Health Fund Launches ‘Quick Prescript’ Mobile Application
Photo: Dave Reid
Health Minister, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton (right), observes as the National Health Fund’s (NHF) Senior Vice President for Information and Communications Technology, Granville Gayle (left), demonstrates how the NHF’s newly launched ‘Quick Prescript’ mobile application can be accessed via kiosks that will be installed at several locations islandwide, following the launch at the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday (April 24). Looking on (from second left) are NHF Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson; and Chairman, Gregory Mair.
The National Health Fund (NHF) has launched a mobile application (app), ‘Quick Prescript’, which will facilitate the speedy filling of prescriptions issued to persons at public medical facilities by NHF-operated Drug Serv pharmacies.
The app, which was unveiled at the Spanish Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday (April 24), is free of cost and enables persons to take, upload and submit photos of prescriptions to any Drug Serv pharmacy.
Individuals will be contacted by the designated pharmacy via ‘Live Chat’ regarding the status of their order and will be notified on their mobile devices when the medication is ready.
Persons who do not have a smartphone or mobile data will be able to take advantage of the service via the Quick Prescript kiosks, which will be installed at selected Drug Serv pharmacies and clinics across the island.
Phased roll-out of the initiative has commenced, with three kiosks already in place at NHF Drug Serv pharmacies in Union Square, Kingston and Greater Portmore, St. Catherine, and the St. James Health Department’s Type 5 Clinic in Montego Bay.
By the end of June, kiosks are expected to be installed at 30 locations islandwide, including Drug Serv pharmacies, hospitals and clinics.
Anticipated outcomes of the new system are reduced waiting time to fill prescriptions, through timely administration and dispensing of medication; improved patient safety; improved storage and reduced wastage of pharmaceuticals; and improved professional competencies.
Health Minister, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, who spoke at the launch, lauded the NHF for embarking on a “creative and innovative” initiative, which, he noted, is consistent with the Ministry’s mandate to reduce waiting time in public health facilities.
“This is another very positive move. When you look at all the surveys and the patient anecdotes… one area of concern is the timeliness of service delivery… waiting in long lines for a bed, waiting to get a diagnostic service administered, waiting to see the doctor. This creates a lot of frustration, which amplifies the challenge that that person has, and we needed to fix that. (As such) we have embarked on a reduced waiting time theme in public health,” he informed.
Chief Executive Officer of the NHF, Everton Anderson, said the service will shortly be available in 53 private pharmacies participating in the Public-Private Sector Pharmacy Programme.
