KUALA LUMPUR (May 18): Local e-prescription service provider DOC2US has inked a strategic regional partnership with Watsons Malaysia to provide virtual health services through a comprehensive system handshake.
In a joint statement on Wednesday (May 18), the firms said the collaboration is expected to usher in further seamless integration between pharmacies and medical practitioners across the region.
The deal confirms a report by theedgemarkets.com on Tuesday (May 17).
Watsons Malaysia managing director Caryn Loh said customers can use the Watsons Malaysia Mobile App to chat with doctors from DOC2US, and get instant e-prescriptions for the medication to be dispensed in its pharmacy stores.
"They can then collect the medication at the selected stores," she said.
Meanwhile, DOC2US co-founder and chief executive officer Dr Raymond Choy said that the partnership with Watsons is a significant step towards bridging the gap between the doctors and pharmaceutical communities.
"Doctors and pharmacists are two sides of the same coin.
"There should not be any significant conflict of interest if we look at the bigger picture with patients' best interests in mind," he said.
Choy said health screenings are conventionally done not only in clinics and hospitals but also in labs and pharmacies these days.
He added that pharmacies play an important part in primary level care to provide health screenings for follow-ups and disease monitoring purposes.
"However, the diagnostic part should be performed by well-trained medical doctors," he said.