Dis-Chem believes that consumers should be more aware of the benefits of pharmacy-based primary healthcare and its role in maintaining good health, and preventing the development of more serious health issues.
“The province is struggling to deliver healthcare to residents, yet there are viable, affordable opportunities that are accessible to a segment of the population, and which can serve to lessen the burden on the public healthcare system in the Eastern Cape,” said Dis-Chem regional dispensary manager, Mudiwa Edward Kandanga.
Dis-Chem’s expansion into the Eastern Cape, with the opening of two additional stores last year, increased the total number of Dis-Chem locations in East London to three. The company believes this will enhance access to integrated primary healthcare.
Tanya Ponter, an executive at Dis-Chem said that effective primary healthcare should be seen as the foundation of health and wellness.
“Primary healthcare is fundamental to a healthcare system in that it can improve the health outcomes of a broad base of the population. If people effectively manage their healthcare on a day-to-day basis, it plays a role in preventing the development of more serious illnesses or conditions. Primary healthcare is gaining widespread recognition as being the “front door” of the healthcare system, and pharmacies are ideally positioned as a fundamental entry point to the primary healthcare ecosystem,” she said.
According to a Dis-Chem statement, socio-economic factors mean that most people use the public health system, yet there are many consumers who may not be on a medical aid, yet can afford a level of private care.
“Dis-Chem is increasingly focused on offering consumers accessible and affordable day-to-day healthcare based on its view that quality healthcare should be within everyone’s reach,” read the statement.
“The health and well-being of our community has always been at the heart of our philosophy of caring for our customers. This ranges from advice from the pharmacist behind the dispensary counter, to highly-trained clinic nurses whose combined expertise provides valuable primary healthcare services,” added Kandanga.
The Dis-Chem statement further added that a clinic nurse should be seen as a first port of call, and if necessary, can schedule an immediate a video consultation with a doctor, including additional tests and examinations, at a cost significantly lower than a private GP consultation.
“As an example, diabetes is the second-most deadly disease in South Africa. As our nurses’ deal with this disease daily, we upskilled them with internationally-accredited diabetes training, which is critical to improving diabetes care and outcomes in South Africa.
“This means they have the knowledge and tools to help educate people with diabetes, promote healthy lifestyles and recommend effective self-management for optimal diabetes control,” the statement explained.
“We reiterate the importance of taking ownership of primary and preventative healthcare, and encourage consumers to consider in-store clinics to optimally manage the day-to-day healthcare needs for the whole family,” Ponter concluded.
