Vending machine in Tampines offers 24-hour doctor consultation, MC & medicine dispensation

Feeling ill at 2am?

Not to worry, a vending machine offering 24-hour medical consultation service is now available in Singapore.

Not only that, you can even get medical certificates (MCs) and medication on the go, thanks to Dr Kart, a recently launched telemedicine service located at the Shell station at 9 Tampines Avenue 2.

Proof of concept stage

The vending machine offering a consultation with a general practitioner at any hour of the day is currently in the proof of concept phase.

Dr Kart said on its website that it has secured a proof of concept pilot with Shell to "install 10 Mediboxes at their selected stations, as part of a trial to allow more convenience to the motorists and residents in the vicinity".

The vending machine gained widespread attention on Dec. 6 after a TikToker put up a clip about it at the Tampines Shell station.

@sallspheelets gooo Dr.Kart!♬ Da' Dip (ORIGINAL) - Freak Nasty

How to carry out consultation

In less than a week, the video was watched about 300,000 times.

The vending machine, essentially a portable clinic, is seen offering a wide range of medical services 24/7.

According to the TikToker, she spent just one minute signing up for the service with her personal particulars on hand before she was able to start her consultation.

The patient only needs to pick up the headset and stand in front of the screen to consult with the doctor on standby, who is attending to the patient remotely.

Moreover, the consultation is touted as free of charge, but other rates apply.

According to its website, Dr Kart offers expert consultations for a wide range of health concerns, from common flu symptoms to chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

Many social media users praised the innovative concept introduced in Singapore, in particular, the convenience of obtaining a medical certificate.

The flagship Dr Kart unit has apparently been in operation for the past few months, but it has only recently caught the public's attention.

Licensed doctors and pharmacists available 24/7

According to its website, Dr Kart offers round-the-clock teleconsultation, connecting patients with licensed doctors and pharmacists.

Dr Kart is accredited by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Its consultation services even at odd hours of the day is supposed to bring quick medical relief to those who might need it urgently.

How does it work?

The vending machine dispenses instant MCs and prescription medication in just three simple steps.

Users begin by registering with their NRIC or SingPass.

They then speak with a doctor via the phone for a personalised consultation.

After the consultation, users make payment and can immediately collect their prescribed medication directly from the vending machine.

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An MC, if deemed medically necessary, is then sent to the patient's email in digital format.

This digital certificate is officially recognised by schools and workplaces.

Top images via Dr Kart Instagram