The days of patients in South Africa who suffer chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS, Diabetes and TB standing in long queues to wait for medicines are now over.

According to reports, they will now get their medication on ATMs, within three minutes at the time of their convenience.

The Pharmacy Dispensing Unit – PDU, an ATM like machine, uses a card with a pin code to dispense medication to chronic patients.

Alexandra township in northern Johannesburg, is the recipient of Africa’s first ATM pharmacy.

The Pharmacy dispensing unit was launched by Gauteng Health MEC Gwendoline Malegwale Ramokgopa.