Singhealth Group CEO, Prof Tan Ser Kiat, officiated the launch of the e-pharmacy. Prof Tan believed that web-based pharmacies would pave the way for hospital pharmacies in Singapore.

The hospital is also passing cost savings of up to 40 percent to Voluntary Welfare Organisation-administered nursing homes when they make online purchases in bulk quantities. It offers another supply for the convenience of these not-for-profit institutions.

The event, which took place at the hospital's lobby, was witnessed by representatives from nursing homes and suppliers. Together with the hospital's CEO Mr T.K. Udairam and Chairman (Medical Board)Assoc Prof Fock Kwong Ming, Prof Tan launched the portal at www.mypharmacy.com.sg.

The idea of helping homebound patients get medical products easily was mooted by the hospital's CEO, Mr T. K. Udairam.

" I was looking after my Dad many years ago, and one of the problems I always had was buying all these bulky items and bringing them home. When he was on prescription medicines, we had the same problem. I actually had to go down and collect prescriptions or collect items from the prescriptions," Mr Udairam said.

Health Minister Lim Hng Kiang visited CGH on 18 July 2001. His visit was hosted by the hospital's CEO, Mr T.K. Udairam, Chairman (Medical Board) Associate Professor Fock Kwong Ming and senior staff and doctors of the hospital. Together with them were SingHealth Chairman, Mr Lim Yong Wah, Group CEO, Professor Tan Ser Kiat and senior staff of SingHealth.

Mr Lim visited the new, expanded CGH pharmacy and was introduced to mypharmacy.com.sg, CGH's online hospital pharmacy.

The internet-based pharmacy was developed as part of the hospital's e-initiatives to provide more convenient and friendly service to patients.

Minister's Insight: Pharmacy Manager, Mrs Joanna Wong , demonstrated to Health Minister Mr Lim Hng Kiang some of the features in the virtual e-pharmacy.

For CGH patients who have been visiting the hospital, they enjoy the added advantage of being able to order their "Nursing Supply list" on the website. The patient can call up a personalised list of nursing supplies that he has been using regularly and order them online. For a bed-ridden elderly at home or for those running a nursing home, adult diapers or feeding tubes are some of the necessities they simply cannot run out of.

The web-based storefront offers another channel of product availability which will enhance the patients' convenience. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including homecare, medical and surgical supplies, eye care, dental care, diabetic care and over-the counter medications. So now, besides trotting down to the pharmacy, one can get hold of the needed products at the click of a mouse.