Dis-Chem Pharmacies focused on maintaining essential services for millions of consumers
Dis-Chem’s vaccination sites, pharmacies and drive-through testing stations in KwaZulu-Natal were forced to close due to the high levels of unrest in the province.
As the country recovers from the after-effects of the recent civil unrest, Dis-Chem Pharmacies continues to make every effort to supply its millions of customers with chronic medication and vaccines.
“In keeping with our philosophy of pharmacists who care, we are cognisant of the essential role that Dis-Chem plays in the health and wellbeing of our customers, especially those who rely on us for chronic medication. We have placed a singular focus on re-opening the affected stores and are working closely with our suppliers to replenish stock in stores as soon as possible,” says Ivan Saltzman, CEO of Dis-Chem Pharmacies.
He says Dis-Chem’s website is continuously being updated with the details of store and vaccination sites and its customer care line can be contacted on 0860 347 243 from Mondays to Fridays 08:00 to 16:30 for any further queries.
Due to extremely high volumes of demand, customers may experience some delay in the delivery of chronic medication and Dis-Chem has appealed to customers to rather come in store to collect.
Online delivery is fully operational, except in Kwazulu-Natal and the group is hopeful that within the next week, nationwide deliveries will resume in full.
“Dis-Chem is wholly committed to serving our loyal customers and to ensure that we remain the first port of call for the millions who rely on us for medication, health and wellness products. We owe our valuable staff a big vote of thanks for their commitment under extremely trying, emotional and difficult circumstances,” Saltzman says.
Dis-Chem says recognition and gratitude must be given to the community and taxi drivers who protected the malls and its stores in Three Rivers and Maponya Mall.
Despite the impact of the previous week, Dis-Chem remains focused on playing a vital role in the vaccine rollout campaign.
“We believe that the greater the number of people who are vaccinated, the sooner South Africa will be able to return to normality and we are committed to vaccinating as many eligible people as possible.”
Dis-Chem remains steadfast in playing its part in the national roll-out programme and plans to continue with the opening of four new vaccination sites in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and two in the Western Cape before the end of July.
“While the last ten days have been extremely hard for South Africa, it has shown the collective power of good across hundreds of communities. The heart-warming scenes of spontaneous collaboration shows the remarkable resilience and fortitude that binds South Africa and her people,” Saltzman concludes.
