No more queues: It’s now easy to collect chronic medication
A decision by the North West Department of Health to implement the Central Chronic Medication Distribution and Delivery (CCMDD) model to relieve workload at health facility level is yielding positive outcomes. Head count for chronic patients collecting medication at health facilities has dropped with more patients electing to collect medication at convenient pickup points.
The department has partnered with private pharmacies and general practitioners to dispense chronic medication at no cost to patients. Patients now walk directly to their nearest pharmacy, general practitioner, supermarket like Shoprite to collect antiretroviral and chronic medication.
Since inception of the CCMDD model a sizable number of dispensary points have been established across the province and are dispensing medication to over 80 000 chronic patients. One such dispensary side is Shoprite’s Medirite pharmacy in Letlhabile Township, Brits.
Ms Rose Molete (63) from Letlhabile Township is one of many beneficiaries of CCMDD model.
“It is now easy to collect my chronic medication. I no longer have to queue at the clinic to get my medication,” Molete said.
Chronic patients who are interested to collect medication at a convenient pick up point need to register at a health facility to collect the same medication previously collected at a health facility. Once registration process is complete, a patient will receive an SMS to collect medication from chosen pick up point. Patients will have to go back to the health facility after six months for a checkup and a new prescription.
Patients are; however, free to visit a health facility should they have a health problem at any time. The CCMDD model is aimed to reduce the cost of accessing free health care, MEC Magome Masike said.
“The model will help reduce long queues at our health facilities, generally caused by people collecting chronic medication. We are happy that our people understand and have welcomed the new changes,” Masike said.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Provincial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 929 9958
Email: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
