KZN health programme eases backlogs for collecting chronic medication

The KZN Health Department says the newly launched programme to facilitate access to chronic medication has already begun to address backlogs and reduce the waiting periods for patients at public health facilities. 

The Central Chronic Medication Dispensing and Distribution programme was officially launched in Pietermaritzburg this week. Chronic medication will now be available at pick-up points such as the nearest community hall or church closer to the patients' homes. 

As a pilot, the scheme was initially rolled out in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, but is now being implemented in eleven of the province's districts. 

Sibongiseni Dhlomo is KZN Health MEC says this will make the lives of patients easier.  

"Among other things, this improves patient adherence to treatment. No patient will not take his or her medication if he or she knows that I don't have to take transport to collect medication except four times a year otherwise they bring medication to my own house or village," he said.