TORONTO — PCAS Patient Care Automation Services Inc. announced that the first PharmaTrust MedCentre remote prescription dispensing unit owned and operated by Touchpoint Pharmacy has received approval from the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).

According to PharmaTrust, the move marks the first approval for a pharmacist-controlled, user-interactive remote dispensing unit under the regulations passed by the Ontario government in March.

Touchpoint Pharmacy in Oakville, Ontario, was visited by OCP inspectors on Aug. 3, who assessed the PharmaTrust MedCentre against the OCP’s new remote dispensing standards.

"This truly is an historic event for the profession of pharmacy, and we are proud that Canadian pharmacists are leading the way in innovative pharmacy practice globally," stated Sunny Lalli, director of pharmacy at PharmaTrust. "We would like to thank the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the Ontario College of Pharmacists for their tireless efforts and support in bringing this revolutionary, Canadian-made pharmacy solution to Ontario residents."

The PharmaTrust MedCentre, operated by PCAS affiliate Touchpoint Pharmacy, facilitates enhanced face-to-face interaction between the pharmacist and their patients. The company said the system allows for greater access to pharmaceutical care by offering the potential to bring pharmacy services closer to the point of prescribing, areas of greater convenience and currently underserviced remote locations in Ontario.

"The amendment of Touchpoint Pharmacy’s certificate of accreditation to allow operation of the PharmaTrust MedCentre paves the way for us to bring unique services to the public, and our pharmacists can now make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our care," added Lalli. "This is a hugely important project, and everyone at PharmaTrust and Touchpoint Pharmacy are excited to be working at the cutting-edge of pharmacy innovation."

Besides the Oakville location, PharmaTrust MedCentres are in operation at various hospitals in Ontario.

"Our MedCentre helps pharmacists enhance the patient experience, while extending their reach and caring for their patients in a more convenient and efficient way. I am truly thrilled to see this technology take its place alongside traditional models of pharmacy practice," stated David Gibbins, executive chairman of PCAS, a health care technology company and the parent of PharmaTrust Corp. "The accreditation is a significant event for PCAS, its founders, shareholders, employees and the myriad of supporters who have worked tirelessly to overcome many hurdles."