Government makes it easier for patients to collect medication

PATIENTS with chronic ailments can now collect their medication from “pick-up points”. According to the KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibingiseni Dhlomo, the pick-up points include retail stores, community halls and even crèches. Dhlomo said the move was part of the government’s Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme. The programme aims to make it more convenient for patients living with stable non-communicable ailments, ranging from diabetes and hypertension to HIV and Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB), to access their prescriptions.

Dhlomo launched  the large-scale roll out of the government programme last week, Friday 27 January. The MEC said at the launch,“Approximately 60% of prescriptions at public sector pharmacies and clinics are for chronic stable patients.”

Dr Dhlomo added, “It is agreed internationally that efficient health systems do not require patients to come to hospitals to collect their chronic medicines as many alternative sources for chronic medicines supply in the community can be used.”

Since the launch of the programme in 2014, 504 000 patients have benefitted from it at 558 pick-up point across the province. The Department is planning to expand the number of collection points to 746 by the end of 2017/18 financial year.

Patients need to register at the DOH facility and choose the pick-up point that is convenient to collect the parcel medicine from. They are required to bring their identity document/Passport or permit to register and collect treatment. Collection dates are written on the collection card. Patients will receive updates on the delivery of their medication via SMS. They can also register other people to collect the medication on their behalf.

For inquiries, call the toll-free number 0800 070 070 or send a “please-call-me” to 073 161 7102.