Korea University Ansan Hospital has introduced a smart pharmacy system equipped with an automated chemotherapy compounding robot and an automated drug dispensing system, marking a major step toward improving medication safety, operational efficiency and patient care.
The hospital officially commissioned the new technology during a ceremony held on Thursday at the Department of Pharmacy on the third floor of Building A.
The newly deployed system comprises one APOTECA Chemo robotic chemotherapy compounding unit alongside two automated ampule dispensing systems. Designed to prepare chemotherapy drugs based on individual prescriptions, the APOTECA Chemo robot automates one of the most complex pharmacy procedures, which requires precise extraction and mixing of injectable medications according to a patient’s body weight, body surface area, overall health condition and treatment plan.
Handling chemotherapy drugs demands stringent safety measures because the medications are classified as hazardous. Hospital officials noted that even minimal leakage during the compounding process can expose healthcare workers to potential health risks, making automation an important safeguard.
Demand for chemotherapy services at Korea University Ansan Hospital has continued to rise in recent years. The number of chemotherapy preparations increased from 23,613 cases in 2022 to 30,251 in 2024, reflecting an average annual growth rate of approximately 13 percent. The hospital believes the robotic system will help meet the growing need for cancer treatment.
Officials also expect the technology to create a more efficient treatment environment for cancer patients, who often require frequent hospital visits over long periods. The system is projected to streamline medication preparation, reduce patient waiting times and improve access to cancer care for residents in the region.
Beyond improving efficiency, the smart pharmacy system is expected to standardize chemotherapy compounding, strengthen medication safety and minimize healthcare workers’ exposure to hazardous drugs by automating repetitive processes.
The chemotherapy robot has been named “Hoeuibot,” drawing inspiration from “Hoeuirang,” the official mascot of Korea University Medicine. The name also reflects the Korean word for “protection,” symbolizing the hospital’s commitment to delivering safe and dependable pharmaceutical services for both patients and medical staff.
In addition, the hospital has rolled out an automated ampule dispensing system that organizes and manages injectable medications according to individual prescriptions. The technology is intended to reduce dispensing errors by pharmacists and nurses while improving overall medication management.
By taking over routine dispensing duties, the ADS allows pharmacists to focus more on critical responsibilities that directly support patient safety, including prescription reviews and narcotics management.
“The preparation of chemotherapy drugs demands absolute precision, leaving no room for error,” said Lee Hyun-joo, head of the Department of Pharmacy. “The introduction of this system will help standardize the compounding process and provide safer, more reliable pharmaceutical services.”
Hospital Director Seo Dong-hoon described the smart pharmacy initiative as an important milestone in strengthening medication safety across the hospital.
“We will continue to actively adopt advanced technologies to create a smart healthcare environment that both patients and healthcare professionals can trust,” he said.
