Facility launched in Mofolo to help with distribution of chronic medication

The Methodist church in Mofolo has been deemed the first new site for the collection of chronic medication.

The launch of the Centralized Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) and Men’s Health took place on November 23 in Mofolo in a partnership between the national Health Department, Anova health institute and faith-based organisations.

The department said that the launch of the CCMDD site was in response to chronic illnesses being on the rise and was a strategic move towards changing how chronic medication is accessed in the public health sector.

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“This marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards improving healthcare access. This initiative is not just a step forward in healthcare; it is a leap towards a future where quality health services are within everyone’s reach,” the Chief Director of the Johannesburg District, Mogeru Morewane said.

The programme aims to dismantle barriers caused by socio-economic issues and will go far in ensuring that everyone has continuous access to the medication they need.

“Our approach is community-centred and collaborative. By partnering with faith leaders, we can ensure that this programme is not only effectively implemented but also warmly embraced,” Morewane added.

According to Morewane, the programme is designed to streamline the distribution of essential medications and simplifying the process of medication dispensation.

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“This streamlined approach not only ensures that patients receive their medication in a timely and efficient manner. As a result, this leads to a more organised and patient-friendly environment within our health services,” she added.

Former Executive Director at Anova Institute, Susan Kekane who is now a consultant for the project said the initiative was great in allowing patients to access their choice of what is accessible to them.

“We started the implementation of this initiative on October 17 and today, the day of the launch we already have 800 patients already picked up which shows that it is working.

“It is a community-based initiative, and the critical thing is that we are off loading the clinics with the number of patients who are stable. This will significantly reduce the congestion in healthcare facilities.

“We don’t want them to wait in long lines to collect medication as we already know that we don’t have capacity in clinics, so we are trying cut that, they instead go to the pick-up points,” she explained.

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Kekane cited that the initiative will bring valuably change to the community in ensuring a consistent access to medication and healthcare services. In addition, patients can also send a reliable family member to pick up their medication on their behalf.

“This was the first pilot project, and it will be monitored closely that it works and see the fruits.

“The Department has given us the mandate that we should begin rolling out into other communities and see where there is a need in terms of the backlog of patients who are controlled and stable and get them away from clinics– and create a space dedicated for their medication. Our ambition is to expand this initiative to other churches, thereby improving healthcare accessibility across communities.”