by SHAFIQQUL ALIFF / pic courtesy of Ascen Plus Pharmacy

ASCEN Plus Pharmacy today launched Malaysia’s first e-clinic service platform, providing a one-stop medical solution for Malaysians.

It aims to create synergy between medically qualified doctors and pharmacists while ensuring that walk-in customers at pharmacies receive the best possible care, consultation and medical dispensation services.

It also gives customers the option of scheduling appointments with healthcare professionals either on-demand or ahead of time.

Ascen Plus Pharmacy stated that it aims to be the first pharmacy in the nation to efficiently address any medical concerns that Malaysians might have while creating lasting synergy between medically qualified doctors and pharmacists for a more holistic healthcare ecosystem.

“This eliminates the need for patients to split their time between doctor consultations at the clinic or hospital and pharmacy visits, making the healthcare process more affordable, convenient and seamless. 

“Providing on-demand, virtual access to medically qualified doctors who are on standby for remote consultations at any Ascen Plus Pharmacy location, the service ensures that patients are properly diagnosed before medications are e-prescribed to be dispensed by licensed pharmacists on the spot,” it said in a statement today.

The service also aims to be as accessible to the community as possible. From RM10, patients can gain access to the e-consultation service on Ascen Plus Pharmacy’s e-clinic platform.

By creating stronger synergies between general practitioners and pharmacists, clear distinction can be made to ensure a smoother, holistic healthcare ecosystem for the public. 

“By bridging the gaps between these two roles, the platform aims to reduce the rate at which patients receive mistaken diagnoses or prescriptions, pay exorbitant medical fees and go through further inconveniences at the expense of their health. 

“The platform removes the blindfold and leads patients down a correct and transparent path, making necessary e-consultations with doctors possible and omitting the process when pharmacists can provide the necessary treatment,” it added.

ED Leslie Cheng acknowledged that Malaysians are facing inconveniences in terms of time and cost when navigating medical consultations, and inaccurate diagnoses and prescriptions that follow. 

He said physical consultations with doctors to obtain the correct diagnoses and prescriptions are frequently expensive and time-consuming.

“On the other hand, merely visiting a pharmacist to replenish an existing prescription could prove detrimental if a patient’s dosage requires altering — something that can only be determined by a doctor. 

“To make matters worse, there is still a common misconception among Malaysians regarding the role that doctors and pharmacists play when ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of patients, meaning many patients are still confused as to the right party or channel to consult regarding health-related matters,” he said.