Residents and patients residing in Ward 3 were elated after the War Room, now known as “Heartbeat”, was recently reinstated as a pick-up point for chronic medication, alleviating vulnerable residents’ need for transport to the clinic.
The decision was taken after a stakeholders meeting in which issues were brought to the table and discussed; one of which being residents’ monthly commute to the clinic for the collection of chronic medication.
Speaking to the Newcastle Express, Ally Hoosen, the chairperson of Heartbeat who also serves on the clinic committee, said that this was a serious matter facing residents and that something had to be done.
“One of the issues that needed urgent attention was regarding medication collection. Patients would have to do a monthly commute to the clinic, many of them waiting from the early morning while also experiencing transportation issues. We knew then that something had to be done,” said Hoosen.
Meetings were held with role-players including Abdus Cassim, Head of Pharmacy in the Department of Health, Sibusiso Ngcobo from Medipost, who is responsible for the distribution of medication, and Councillor Connie Hariram as well as members of the clinic committee.
“A decision was then made that Heartbeat would be the pick-up point for patients to receive their chronic medication on a monthly basis, which is walking distance for some and just a short commute for others,” said Hoosen, adding that if a senior citizen is ill and cannot retrieve their medication from Heartbeat, it will be delivered where possible.
Additionally, all members of the Newcastle Organisation for the Aged (NOFTA), who attend on Mondays and Wednesdays, will have their medication delivered to them on those days.
“I would like to thank the following people who assisted in making this move a great success, Ward 3 Councillor, Connie Hariram, Abdus Cassim of Amajuba Health, Bianca from the Department of Health and Sibusiso Ngcobo from Medipost. Also to Shane Manilal, who has taken it upon himself to assist with the medication distribution. He understands the challenges that many patients face and agreed to be of assistance,” said Hoosen.
The process of having medication picked up from Heartbeat will be possible if you already pick up your medication from the clinic.
“When patients visit the clinic, please check how many more months you are registered for a pick-up. If it is less than a month, kindly advise your doctor to refer you to Heartbeat for your next pick-up,” explained Hoosen.
Alternatively, patients are urged to WhatsApp Ally Hoosen on 064-282-5198 with your full name, identity number, residential address, contact number and your current medication pick-up point. Patients will then receive a phone call or message stating if the change in pick-up points has been successful. Heartbeat is situated at 36 Asnika Crescent, Suryaville.
