Over 56 000 patients in the Umzinyathi District are now enrolled in the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution programme since the District pioneered this national effort in 2014.
The event was celebrated recently by the Umzinyathi Health District. Sineziwe Mazibuko of the District Health Department told the Courier that aim of the CCMDD was to provide a high-quality health care service that is efficient, effective, accessible, economical, equitable and sustainable in order to achieve optimal health status for all persons within Umzinyathi Health District.
“The CCMDD programme is a National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative which strengthens public-private partnership to ensure health equity for all. The programme is for all stable chronic patients, and it aims to increase access to medication, where medication can be collected closer to residences or places of work,” she said.
When the programme was started in the District in 2014, just under 900 patients enrolled on the programme and up till now 56 783 patients have collected their medication at over 127 pick-up points throughout the area.
These points include private general practitioners’ rooms, so-called war rooms, private pharmacies, tribal courts, tuck-shops, churches and other community centres.

She encouraged all those that were present at the symposium to try out the programme if eligible.

MM Zungu, Deputy Director General of the NHI (KZN Province) congratulated Umzinyathi on the ‘tangible strides achieved and being the leading district in the country implementing NHI.’
A community member from Mhlangana area near Msinga gave a moving testimony on how the CCMDD programme has changed her life. She quoted the convenience of collecting her medication within a walking distance from home, and as a result, she has saved money and she no longer has to wait in long queues. She encouraged all those that were present at the symposium to try out the programme if eligible.
The day ended with the District Annual Service Excellence Awards, where employees were awarded certificates and awards for their dedication and hard work, utilising the limited resources available. The district was honoured to host Maggie Munsamy from National Department of Health Office, X Sizani the Medipost CEO and VC Dlamini from KZN Head of Pharmaceutical Services.
“The Umzinyathi Health District Management extends a heartfelt gratitude to our partners, Municipalities, sponsors and our community for continued support,” Ms Mazibuko concluded.