Khaberni - Minister of Health Dr. Ibrahim Al-Badour launched a plan to solve the problem of patient congestion at hospital pharmacies and comprehensive health centers, which will begin in Amman and subsequently be generalized to other provinces.
Al-Badour explained that the plan was based on observations made during field visits to hospitals and health centers, where it became clear there was a significant crisis at the pharmacy windows, accompanied by congestion at the registration and billing counters.
He noted that after conducting a study on the nature of the patients and treatments, as well as peak times; the results showed that about 50% of the pharmacy visitors are patients with monthly prescriptions for chronic medications. Peak times and congestion reach their highest levels between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM, according to the curve that was observed.
Based on these results, Al-Badour stated that it was decided to activate a home delivery service for chronic medications through the "Hakim" app, enabling the patient or a family member to download the app on a mobile device and order the medication to be delivered directly to the patient's home as a delivery service for a nominal fee of only two dinars, without the need to visit pharmacies.
To refine the idea and perform simulations; an awareness campaign was launched last month at three comprehensive health centers in Amman to introduce the service. After studying the feedback and the success of the trial, a decision was made to expand the service to include all hospitals and comprehensive centers in Amman starting from the beginning of December.
There will be volunteers at Al-Bashir Hospital, Dr. Jamil Tutunji Hospital, and in all comprehensive centers of Amman to explain the Hakim app and download it on the patients' mobile devices.
Specific hours have also been allocated for patients with monthly prescriptions, starting from (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM) at Al-Bashir and Tutunji hospitals, and from (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) for patients of the comprehensive health centers.
Al-Badour also emphasized the necessity of enhancing the pharmaceutical stock in hospital and health center pharmacies, directing that they be supplied with the necessary quantities of medications designated for chronic disease patients, ensuring their continuous availability and supply for visitors. He affirmed that this measure is part of a comprehensive approach aimed at improving the quality of pharmaceutical services, reducing the burden on patients, and enhancing their trust in the health services provided at various Ministry locations.
