DOC2US, Malaysia’s first e-prescription service provider announced a strategic partnership with Watsons Malaysia to provide virtual health services through a comprehensive systems handshake. The collaboration is expected to usher in further seamless integration between pharmacies and medical practitioners across the region.
Through DOC2US’ digitally signed e-prescription system, pharmacies like Watsons will be able to dispense prescription medicine prescribed electronically by certified and licensed doctors of DOC2US. According to Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia, “Watsons Malaysia is proud to launch yet another innovative solution to its customers and members via this strategic partnership. Our customers can use our Watsons Malaysia Mobile App to chat with doctors from DOC2US, and get instant e-prescriptions for the medications to be dispensed in our pharmacy stores. They can then collect the medication at the selected stores.”
Dr Raymond Choy, CEO and Co-founder of DOC2US expressed that the partnership with Watsons is a significant step to bridging the gap between the doctor and pharmaceutical communities. “Doctors and pharmacists are two sides of the same coin. There should not be any significant conflict of interest if we look at the bigger picture with patients’ best interests in mind.
While their roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined, health screenings are conventionally done not only in clinics and hospitals but also in labs and pharmacies these days.
Pharmacies play an important part in primary level care to provide health screening for follow ups and disease monitoring purposes. However, the diagnostic part should be performed by well-trained medical doctors.”
DOC2US has also recently awarded its partner pharmacies with the Electronic Prescribing System Top 10 Best Performance Awards for excellent performance and compliance in issuance of e-prescriptions and dispensing of medication in 2021. Watsons Malaysia was among the top three pharmacy partners to be recognised for the award.
“For the majority of patients, their first point of care is usually the pharmacy. This is the dynamic of the market’s needs that the healthcare industry should be aware of. This is also where digital health can help pharmacists and medical practitioners alike to serve a wider range of patients beyond geographic limits and ensure safe, accessible, convenient and affordable medication.
Moving towards endemicity, we want to maximise value for patients by harmonising the relationship between the doctors and pharmacists, with clear definition of roles and responsibilities,” added Dr Choy.
