The Cipla Foundation has announced the launch of four new Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) pick-up point facilities in Tongaat, Hambanathi, Trenance Park and Cotton Lands in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This follows the successful launch of a CCMDD pick-up point in Verulam just over a year ago.
The CCMDD programme is a National Department of Health initiative aimed at improving access to chronic medication for stable patients who are dependent on the public sector. The new facilities are made possible through a partnership between the National Department of Health, the KZN Department of Health, and the Cipla Foundation, with all facilities managed by Cipla Foundation’s Sha’p Left initiative.
Paul Miller, CEO of Cipla South Africa, parent body of the Cipla Foundation, says that the programme holds a number of benefits for public sector patients. “Many patients on chronic medication need to travel far, and wait in long queues at national health facilities to collect their chronic medication. The CCMDD pick-up point facilities create the opportunity for these patients to collect their chronic medication quickly and easily, at a location that is more convenient to them – for example at a site closer to their home or place of work.”
The CCMDD programme is well established in South Africa, with about 1.7 million patients already enrolled. This programme not only benefits patients, but also reduces patient load and congestion at national health facilities.
Stable public sector patients on chronic medication can apply to be enrolled in the CCMDD programme when they visit the hospital or clinic where they currently collect their medication.
“We are excited to be part of this project and are looking forward to helping more patients get easier access to their life-saving medication,” Miller concludes.
How to enrol in the CCMDD programme:
- Ask to be enrolled in the CCMDD programme when visiting the State hospital or clinic where you currently pick up your chronic medication.
- Choose your closest and most convenient medication pick-up point.
- You will receive an SMS notification once your medication is ready for collection.
- Remember to take your ID with you when you pick up your medication.
References:
1. The SA Department of Health. Nearly 2 million people now fetch their chronic medication closer to their homes ( No need to pay transport costs or wake up early to stand in long queues ). available at: http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/mediarelease/2018/nearly-2-million-people-now-fetch-04112018.htm 2018–2020 (2019).
