Dispensing of medicines via vending machines

Aim: to analyze the possibilities to implement dispensing of medicines via vending machines.

Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. A SWOT analysis of dispensing medicines through vending machines was performed. Ukrainian legal framework and content analysis were used to assess feasibility, with an anonymous survey of 106 respondents aged 20 to 70 gathering opinions on installing vending machines for over-the-counter medications in public places.

Results: The study showed the following: 1) strengths were: convenience, access to medicines in remote areas; 2) weaknesses: limited number of medicines, lack of possibility to consult with a pharmacist, cost of vending machines; 3) opportunities: possibilities to use for prescribed medicines or for chronic diseases medication; 4) threats: exclusion of pharmaceutical professionals from the process of ensuring access to medicinal products, self-medication and danger of side effects. The 58 % of respondents supported vending machines, citing convenience, availability, and shorter pharmacy queues.

Сonclusions: Dispensing medicines via vending machines presents a viable alternative to traditional methods. The main advantage is patient convenience, but attention must be given to mitigating risks from self-medication. Licensing terms should be established for business entities involved in vending machine operations, ideally those holding a retail license for medicinal products.