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Robotics Part of Choctaw Clinic Expansion in Poteau

POTEAU, Okla. – Precision robotic automation has arrived at the Choctaw Nation. A $5.5 million robot is part of the new $12.7 million pharmacy expansion at the Choctaw Nation Rubin White Health Clinic in Poteau.

"The existing prescription machine was designed to put out 7,500 prescriptions a day," said Lance Winlock, Project Manager with Choctaw Nation Construction Administration. The machine was so old that replacement parts had become unavailable. "The new robot can fill 17,500 prescriptions a day," he said, adding that one new position also has been added to the staff.

A ribbon-cutting was held and tours conducted Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the new 15,860-square-foot addition to the clinic at 109 Kerr Ave. Due to the size of the turnout and weather, the ceremony was held inside the nearby Choctaw Nation Community Center.

Chief Gary Batton pointed out that there were two ceremonies, the ribbon-cutting at the refill center in Poteau and a groundbreaking for the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Pocola, on the same day. It is a multi-million-dollar investment "in just LeFlore County alone," he said. "It shows a commitment by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council to our tribal members and to growing the state of Oklahoma."

Every month the pharmacy fills prescriptions for approximately 23,000 patients located across the United States. The new refill center is scheduled to begin dispensing prescriptions on Feb. 28. In the meantime, there will be no lapse in service.

 

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