A HIGH-TECH robotic dispenser has been installed at a Millicent store at a cost of $125,000.
The state-of-the-art equipment has improved the efficiency of the Millicent Chemist and Giftware in George Street, but will not mean a drop in the current staff levels.
Pharmacist and co-owner Usman Mahood said he and his fellow partners felt the investment was necessary in the interests of patient health.
Mr Mahood said the use of the robotic device known as a BD Rowa Smart would save time in manually filling prescriptions.
“This means we have more time for face-to-face interaction with our customers,” Mr Mahood said.
“We already have two private consulting areas and we plan to have a third in 2020.
“We have around 1000 local customers who have their prescriptions regularly filled here.”
He has overseen the business since 2014 and joined the partnership of out of town pharmacists a few years ago.
The premises were originally built in the 1970s as a store for electrical retailer Neil McArthur – now deceased.
Some minor building alterations were needed to install the BD Rowa Smart robotic dispenser and Mr Mahood is grateful for the support of local businesses and technicians.
