New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority has recently unveiled the first approved electronic controlled drug register in the country. Developed by local company Toniq, this groundbreaking register is now accepted for use in New Zealand pharmacies, marking a significant advancement in the management of controlled substances.
According to a recent media release, the digital register seamlessly integrates with dispensing systems to provide accurate oversight of the quantity and types of drugs in storage. Associate Health Minister David Seymour expressed his satisfaction with the register, stating that it has received positive feedback from participating pharmacists. The approval from Medsafe further solidifies the register’s credibility and efficacy.
Toniq has announced plans to roll out its solution to over 850 pharmacies, showcasing a widespread adoption of this innovative technology. This move is expected to revolutionize the way pharmacies manage high-risk controlled substances like opioids and medicinal cannabis, which are currently documented in cumbersome paper-based registers.
The approval of the digital register is a significant development for New Zealand pharmacies, as it is set to enhance efficiency by allowing pharmacists to shift their focus from manual record-keeping to patient care. Minister Seymour emphasized the importance of streamlining administrative tasks to ensure that pharmacists can prioritize essential duties within the healthcare system.
This milestone approval also reflects a larger trend in the healthcare industry, with the Digital Health Association viewing it as a potential shift in the government’s stance on digital health technologies. The expansion of the New Zealand e-Prescription Service in 2022 and the development of a FHIR-based API by Te Whatu Ora demonstrate a growing embrace of digital solutions within the healthcare sector.
Overall, the introduction of the electronic controlled drug register signifies a move towards modernizing healthcare practices in New Zealand, paving the way for more efficient and secure management of controlled substances in pharmacies. With technology playing an increasingly vital role in healthcare delivery, this approval marks a significant step forward in enhancing patient care and streamlining administrative processes within the industry.
