New chronic medication pick-up points rolled out
JOHANNESBURG – With the launch of the new Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution pick-up points, Gauteng patients with chronic illnesses no longer have to wait in queues to receive medication.
Local clinics in Gauteng, including the Rabie Ridge Multipurpose Centre, will benefit from the new Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) Pick-up Points facilities, said the MMC for Health and Social Development, DrMpho Phalatse on 27 September.
The programme is a National Department of Health initiative aimed at improving access to chronic medication for stable chronic patients in the public sector.
Phalatse said the facilities are made possible through a partnership between the National Department of Health and the Cipla Foundation. The four clinics with the facilities are Bophelong, Hikensile, Rabie Ridge Multipurpose Centre and Thuthukani Clinic.
“These pick-up point facilities create the opportunity for patients to collect their chronic medication quickly, easily and at a site closer to their home or place of work…The programme not only enables patients to collect their medication at more convenient times and locations, but also reduces the patient-load at clinics, also allowing more time for care of sick patients. “The CCMDD programme is well established in South Africa with close to 400 000 patients already enrolled.
“This project creates the opportunity to demonstrate how a partnership between government, NGOs and the private sector can generate benefit for all parties in the healthcare sector and especially for the patient at the end of the line.” Stable patients on chronic medication may be enrolled in the programme when they visit the clinic where they currently collect their medication.
Phalatse concluded that she was delighted that the City of Johannesburg has formed part of this project and looks forward to implementing life-saving medication more accessible to all residents. “In the next upcoming months, more pick-up point facilities will be rolled out to the rest of the City.”
Details: Stakeholder manager and spokesperson for the MMC for Health and Social Development, Siyanda Makhubo SiyandaMa@joburg.org.za; 081 548 9078.
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