Almaty oncology center introduces robotic medication management system

Almaty Oncology Center has launched a robotic pharmacy system and a closed, airtight drug preparation system to automate the handling, preparation and dispensing of medicines, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare said. The technology covers the main stages of medication management, starting with the receipt and storage of medicines and continuing through their preparation and dispensing to patients.

Under the system, every medication receives a unique digital code. Each stage of its movement is logged, making it possible for specialists to trace medicines from the moment they enter the pharmacy complex until they are given to a patient. The Ministry of Healthcare said the system adds extra control over medication preparation, including dosing and handling. These procedures are especially important in oncology, where medicines must be prepared and administered with precision.

Automation is also meant to lower the risk of mistakes in medication handling and give stronger oversight of the preparation process. The Almaty Oncology Center currently has more than 38,000 registered patients and provides medical care to over 27,000 people each year.

In the past eight years, the volume of treatment services delivered by the center has grown 2.5 times. Over the same period, the five-year survival rate among patients increased from 46% to 75%, according to the data provided.