December 1, 2025|
AI
|3 days agoSwitzerland's First 'Medicomat': Assessing the Automated Pharmacy's Impact
An analysis of Switzerland's first automated medication dispenser in canton Solothurn. Three years after its launch, the 'Medicomat' is seeing less use than expected, raising questions about whether it represents the future of healthcare or is merely a technical gimmick.
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Generated IllustrationKey Takeaways
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- Switzerland's first automated medication dispenser, the 'Medicomat', is located at the Vitasphère Health Centre in Oensingen, Solothurn.
- The system utilizes a fully automated robot in the basement to prepare medication, which is then sent to the dispenser in the entrance area.
- The Medicomat functions similarly to an ATM, requiring a QR code for collection, rather than a simple vending machine mechanism.
By The Numbers
10%
Usage Rate
Mid six-figure
Investment Cost
3 years
Operational Duration
They Said
"If people see a friendly face behind the counter, they prefer that to the Medicomat."
"I thought it must be possible to build a Medicomat the same way you build an ATM."