Medication pick-up programme cuts hospital queues in KZN

Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo has lauded the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensation and Distribution (CCMDD) programme for reducing congested queues at healthcare facilities, Berea Mail reports.

According to Dhlomo, there are less than 1,7 million people in the province who are now collecting their chronic medication closer to their homes, without having to spend money on transport fare or waking up very early to stand in long queues at congested healthcare facilities. Since the launch of the programme in 2014, 4557 chronic medication pick-up points have been established across the province.

“We are very pleased with the success of this programme. It means that our fellow compatriots who are hypertensive, diabetic, or those who have arthritis, HIV and other ailments only have to come to a health facility once every three months to collect their medicine. Otherwise they fetch it closer to their homes, at libraries, community halls, tribal courts and other local amenities. The medication is pre-packaged and all looks the same, which helps eliminate stigma because no-one can tell what the medication is for,” said Dhlomo.

“The CCMDD programme has reduced waiting times; improved access to chronic medication and de-congested our health facilities. It has also helped to improve adherence to treatment. We would therefore like to encourage more people to take advantage of this programme. It is extremely convenient for patients and us as healthcare workers because it has the potential to reduce long queues when we see patients once every 90 days,” he said.

Patients who wish to use the CCMDD programme need to register at their nearest health facility and choose the pick-up point that is convenient to collect the 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.