BCIT has introduced a new MediMart health vending machine at the Burnaby Campus, providing students, faculty, and staff with convenient access to essential over-the-counter medications and wellness products. The machine is located on the second floor of the NW4 building.
While vending machines on campus are often associated with snacks and drinks, MediMart offers a health-focused alternative, supporting students when they need quick access to basic medical essentials.
What is MediMart?
MediMart is a self-serve pharmacy vending machine designed to provide quick access to commonly used health and wellness products. Items available in the machine include pain relievers, cold and flu medication, allergy relief, throat lozenges, eye drops, bandages, menstrual products, and vitamins.
This makes MediMart especially useful for students who may feel unwell during the school day or need medication between classes without leaving campus.
How does it work?
The MediMart vending machine is easy and intuitive to use. Products are clearly displayed behind glass, allowing users to browse before making a selection. After choosing an item, users can pay directly at the machine using card payment, and the product is dispensed below.
During my visit, I explored the MediMart vending machine to see what products were available and how easy it was to use.
One standout feature of MediMart is its pharmacist support option. By scanning the QR code on the machine, users are connected to a text-based pharmacist support line, allowing them to message a licensed pharmacist directly through WhatsApp with questions about medications, usage, or concerns before making a purchase.
Pharmacist support is available daily from 11am-9pm, providing an added layer of guidance and reassurance.
Why this matters for students
With busy schedules and limited free time, accessing basic health products can sometimes be inconvenient. MediMart helps address this by offering on-campus access to essential medications, reducing the need to travel off campus when feeling unwell.
The option to connect directly with a pharmacist also supports safer and more informed decisions, especially for students who may be unsure which product best suits their needs.
Final thoughts
The new MediMart vending machine adds a valuable health-focused service to the Burnaby Campus. Located in NW4, it offers a convenient and accessible way for the BCIT community to manage everyday health needs.
While the vending machine is available 24/7, the NW4 building is open from 6am-10pm, Monday to Friday, and 7am-7pm on weekends. Hours may vary on statutory holidays.
As BCIT continues to enhance campus services that support student well-being, additions like MediMart highlight how technology can make healthcare more accessible and student-friendly.
This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT for content polishing on January 26, 2026. Edited and fact-checked by Mori Saadati.