Tshwane metro calls on chronic medication patients to register for programme
“The metro has 171 contracted pick-up points, which include major pharmacy groups and private health practitioners.”
The Tshwane metro health department again encouraged residents to make use of its central chronic medicines dispensing and distribution programme.
This programme aims to increase patient access to critical medicines, especially for those on chronic medication.
According to health MMC Rina Marx, the programme dispenses medication to registered patients at a convenient outlet or pick-up point that is close to their location.
“The metro has 171 contracted pick-up points, which include major pharmacy groups and private health practitioners.”
The programme was instated by the national health department in 2014.
“Additional benefits of the system include the decongestion of public health facilities, which has become even more important due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Marx added that patient waiting times will also be reduced.
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To join the programme, the following steps will apply:
– Patients must visit their local clinic for a medical examination to determine if they comply with the criteria to become part of the programme. The criteria will be determined by the health status of each patient.
– Qualifying patients will then be required to complete a registration form and select a pick-up point close to their home or workplace.
– Patients will receive medication for the first month with an appointment card indicating repeat dates. When collecting the last repeat, patients will be referred to a public health facility for a follow-up clinic evaluation.
– When collecting their medication, patients will have to sign a delivery acknowledgement receipt.
“Increased uptake of this programme will help to improve health services to our communities. It is aligned with our goal to deliver quality services,” said Marx.
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