Currently, there are only three 24-hour pharmacies in Estonia. This means that in the evenings, it is not easy to obtain medicines. People have to go to the hospital or drive to Tallinn or Tartu.
The pharmacy vending machine would allow medicines to be available 24/7. Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines could be dispensed from the machine. Before purchase, a pharmacist must consult the person via video call.
Pharmacics are cautious about the new idea. They say patients need more than just medicines. Pharmacies also offer other services, such as vaccination and health indicator measurements.
To ensure that vending machines do not replace pharmacies, restrictions have been imposed on them. For example, one pharmacy can install up to 10 vending machines. In small towns, the vending machine must be at least one kilometer away from another pharmacy.
Pharmacists fear that vending machines may lead to the closure of smaller pharmacies. If a pharmacy closes, a village may be left without medicines. The Ministry of Social Affairs says that vending machines are not a major threat. In small places, pharmacies already have few customers.
The installation of a vending machine is expensive. Therefore, it must pay for itself. Pharmacies say that vending machines could be a good solution in large cities. There, they could extend the opening hours of pharmacies.
The Riigikogu is still discussing the draft amendment on pharmacy vending machines. If it is adopted, it will enter into force on March 1, 2027.