Page 15 - covid-19-pandemic-malaysia-journey

194,119 parcels in April to June 2020. In addition, more convenient and easy methods for

VAS registration, for example, through email, WhatsApp, telephone and online registrations
were developed. The increased utilisation of VAS has successfully reduced the patient crowd

and medication refill waiting time at MOH facilities.

Other pharmaceutical services, such as logistic pharmacy, inpatient pharmacy, sterile and

non-sterile production, clinical pharmacokinetic services, counselling and ward pharmacy

services, were carried out as usual. Extra precautionary measures, however, were employed
especially when providing services that required direct contact with the patients. Various

online or virtual methods were also implemented. For example, e-counseling materials such

as videos and QR code that links to educational e-pamphlets were prepared. Phone
counselling and video call counselling were utilised to ensure the continuity of essential

clinical services while securing the safety of both patients and pharmacy personnel.

On the other hand, extra effort has also been made to ensure the constant supply of

Methadone for patients on Methadone Treatment Programme. To help patients to minimize
travelling during the MCO, more Daily Observational Therapy (DOT) patients who were

stable were dispensed with take away doses (dos bawa balik, DBB) with the approval from

the psychiatrists and Family Medicines Specialists.

Infographic about pharmacy VAS available in the MOH facilities

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