What is the 1doc Robot Pharmacy (EMDM)?
The 1doc Robot Pharmacy — formally known as the Electronic Medicine Dispensing Machine (EMDM) — is Singapore's first automated prescription medication dispensing system designed for use in clinical settings.
Launched in 2023, the system uses robotic arm technology, visual sorting, and autonomous mobile robots to automate the full medication dispensing process — from retrieval to labelling and patient handover.
When a doctor issues a prescription, the EMDM system receives the order digitally through its integration with electronic medical record systems, including Singapore's National Electronic Health Records (NEHR) system. The robotic system then retrieves, sorts, and packages the prescribed medication automatically, reducing the manual steps traditionally involved in pharmacy dispensing.
Patients collect their medication via QR code scan on the 1doc app, or by entering their phone or order number at the machine — a process that takes under two minutes.
How does the Robot Pharmacy work?
Manual medication dispensing is one of the most common sources of error in clinical settings. Automated dispensing systems reduce the risk of incorrect medication, wrong dosage, or labelling errors. The 1doc EMDM system applies visual verification at each dispensing step, providing an additional layer of accuracy that supports patient safety.
Why does medication automation matter?
The 1doc EMDM is available at selected 1doc clinic locations and can also be deployed at other healthcare institutions. Patients receiving prescriptions at participating clinics can collect their medication directly from the machine, without waiting for manual dispensing.
Who can use the 1doc Robot Pharmacy?
How to Collect Your Meds from the 1doc Robot Pharmacy
Collecting your medication from the 1doc Robot Pharmacy is quick, easy, and secure. Whether you're visiting a 1doc clinic or another healthcare institution, follow these simple steps to retrieve your prescribed medication seamlessly.
From Robot Pharmacies At 1doc Clinics:
1
Scan QR Code
In your 1doc app, scan the QR code shown on the Robot Pharmacy's screen.
2
Review & Collect
Review your meds on the app, tap "Collect Now", and retrieve your meds from the Robot Pharmacy.
3
Access Medication Info
Find details, including dosage instructions, under Transactions > My Prescriptions in your app.
From Robot Pharmacies At Other Healthcare Institutions:
1
Verify Your Identity
Enter your phone no. or order no. on the Robot Pharmacy screen to receive an OTP on your mobile device. Enter the OTP to proceed.
2
Select Your Transaction
Choose your transaction and tap “Collect Now.” The Robot Pharmacy will prepare your medication.
3
Collect Your Medication
Once they’re dispensed, retrieve your meds from the Robot Pharmacy.
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Yes. The 1doc EMDM system applies visual verification at every dispensing step and integrates directly with electronic prescription records to ensure that the correct medication and dosage is dispensed to each patient. Automated dispensing reduces the risk of human error associated with manual pharmacy processes.
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The 1doc EMDM handles prescription medications issued through 1doc's clinical system. The machine supports blister packing, labelling, and standard unit dispensing for a wide range of commonly prescribed medications.
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If you are collecting from a 1doc clinic Robot Pharmacy, you will use the 1doc app to scan the QR code shown on the machine. If you are collecting from a Robot Pharmacy at another healthcare institution, you can verify your identity using your phone number or order number — no app required.
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The collection process typically takes under two - five minutes from identity verification to medication retrieval. This will also be dependent on how much medication is to be dispensed.
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The 1doc EMDM is currently available at selected 1doc clinic locations. Please contact your clinic directly or check the 1doc app to confirm availability at your nearest location.
Robot Pharmacy — Frequently Asked Questions
Medically reviewed by
Dr Eugene Loke
Medical Director, 1doc Medical Group
Adjunct Clinician Educator,
NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
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