Paraguay's Social Security Institute (IPS) launched a new digital tool that allows beneficiaries to check medicine availability online in real time before traveling to a facility. The service, already active nationwide, is available exclusively through the Mi IPS web platform, requiring login with usual credentials or through Electronic Identity. The functionality is not yet accessible through the mobile application.
To use the system, users must access the "Health" section on the platform and select the "Medicine Check" option. They then fill filters such as medicine name and location, and the system shows which IPS pharmacies have the product in stock. The goal is to avoid unnecessary travel and streamline access to medicines.
Darío Bagnoli, head of the Central Hospital Informatics Department, explained that the tool seeks to provide agile and updated information about supply availability at the national level, allowing beneficiaries to identify the most convenient facility for pickup.
The innovation integrates the strengthening of IPS's Virtual Hospital, a telemedicine platform that manages prescriptions and registrations. Patients served virtually can already choose the pharmacy to pick up medicines based on available stock. Those who have in-person consultations continue following the traditional procedure, picking up medicines at the same location where they were served.
While the medicine check already operates nationally, the Virtual Hospital has initial coverage in the Central region, with progressive expansion planned for other areas of the country.