Medipost Pharmacy

Media release

Don’t let C-19 derail TB testing and treatment

Awareness saves lives – World TB Day,Wednesday, 24 March 2021

Tuesday 23 March 2021,World Tuberculosis (TB) Awareness Day, commemorated on Wednesday 24 March, reminds us that the ongoing TB epidemic in South Africa must not be forgotten amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic. It is estimated that some 58000 people died of TB in our country in 2019 alone, and there are grave concerns that a slow-down in TB testing and treatment could place many thousands more lives at risk.

“World TB Day is a most important opportunity to raise awareness and encourage testing to help address the damaging effects of the ongoing, global epidemic of TB,” says pharmacist Joy Steenkamp of Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy.

“The World Health Organization [WHO] and the United Nations set a target to eradicate TB by 2030 in the Sustainable Development Goals, however this ambitious aim requires an enormous global effort at all levels of society. The World TB Day theme for this year is The Clock is Ticking, highlighting that time is of essence to save lives from one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world,” she says.

 Steenkamp points out that since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, many developing countries in particular have encountered new challenges in reaching this goal. “Here in South Africa, these setbacks include fewer people seeking medical attention and being tested for TB often out of fear of contracting Covid-19 in the healthcare setting, as well as reduced numbers of patients accessingTB medicines and completing their treatment.”

Preventing treatment-resistant strains of TB

“From a pharmacy perspective gaps in medicine access for TB patients are especially concerning, as interrupted treatment can lead to the development of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) strains that are more difficult to treat. Many people soon start to feel better once they begin TB treatment, however it is crucial to complete the full course of medicine, exactly as prescribed by your doctor even once symptoms improve.”

“With the treatments available today, TB can often be cured within six months, however if left untreated it can infect other parts of the body. Anyone can get TB, and there is no reason to be ashamed or to stigmatise others with the condition. Remember, approximately a third of us have latent TB already in our systems, even if we do not become ill with it,” she points out.

Similarities and differences between Covid-19 and TB

According to Steenkamp, while trying to navigate parallel health crises can be difficult, recognising how TB and Covid-19 compare and contrast can be helpful. 

“Like Covid-19, TB is spread through tiny droplets from the respiratory tract, however, the difference is that TB droplets can remain in the air for a few hours, and inhalation is the primary route of contracting the bacteria. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand, tends to fall on surfaces and can also be spread when someone touches an object with the virus droplets on it.”

Some of the precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can also help reduce the spread of TB, namely: wearing a mask, practising social distancing, and avoiding crowded, poorlyventilated areas. Opening windows for good ventilation in vehicles and buildings can further help reduce the chances of infection.

More than ‘just a cough’ – know the symptoms of TB

Typical symptoms of TB include fever, cough, body aches, chills, weight loss and night sweats, and while the disease more commonly affects the lungs, it can also affect other organs or structures including the lymph nodes, bones, the abdomen, pleura (the lining of the lungs), the heart, spinal cord or brain.

“TB meningitis, which is when the infection causes inflammation of the membrane covering the brain, can present with symptoms of headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck and seizures. People with TB pericarditis, which involves inflammation of the heart, may  experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing when lying down, ankle oedema [swelling], and a fast heartrate,” Steenkamp notes.

“Another way TB can affect the body is spinal TB with neurological complications, which can cause symptoms of severe back pain, swelling, abscesses, vertebral collapse, and ultimately paralysis, if not treated in time.

“As South Africans, we can play our part towards ending TB by breakingdown the stigma, knowing how it spreads, and raising awareness of classic and unusual symptoms of TB. In addition, the WHO recommends increasing access to medication and community programmes, the use of technology in counselling and supporting treatment adherence, as well as decentralised or home delivery of medication, for prevention and successful treatment of TB,” Steenkamp says.

“TB therapy requires commitment and support to finish the typical six-month regimen. Newer antibiotics and shorter treatment regimens are currently being studied in South Africa with promising results, which is very welcome news because TB can become resistant to current treatments. For now, awareness, empathy, testing and treatment adherence are our best line of defence against the ever-present threat of TB.”

Ends

SIDEBAR: Keeping treatmenton track throughout lockdown

 Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy, delivers prescribed chronic medication, including TB treatment, to any address in South Africa. The convenience of this service ensures patients can access their medicines easily and confidentially from their home or workplace, either as medical scheme members or private patients.

Some Medipost Pharmacy patients collect their chronic medicines from pick up points or their doctor’s practice. These doctor practice collection points are an important service to improve access tochronic medication in areas where limited healthcare services are present and further supports adherence, which is as crucial as ever in light of COVID-19. Strict confidentiality measures, including the fact that there is no indication of the parcel contents on the external packaging, ensure that patient privacy is protected.

People registered with Medipost Pharmacy’s chronic medication delivery service or self-medication online shop https://shop.medipost.co.za have access to telephonic clinical advice from pharmacists and pharmacist’s assistants in their preferred official South African language.This service is available from Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 22h00, and Saturdays between 08h00 and 12h00 for advice regarding dosage, possible side effects or interactions and other concerns relating to medication dispensed by Medipost Pharmacy.

For more information or to register as a patient with Medipost Pharmacy please visit https://medipost.optogmedia.com/.

References and further reading:

1. World Health Organization. The Clock is Ticking. World TB Day 2021. [Web: https://www.who.int.campaigns/world-tb-day/world-tb-day-2021]
2. World Health Organization. Tuberculosis and COVID-19. [Web: https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/covid-19]
3. Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). HSRC Responds to the COVID-19 Outbreak. 2020. [Web: Microsoft PowerPoint – COVID-19 MASTER SLIDES 26 APRIL 2020 FOR MEDIA BRIEFING FINAL (hsrc.ac.za)]
4. SA’s TB Tests Drop Over 30% Due To COVID-19 – Worse Outcomes Predicted For Life-Threatening Disease. iAfrica. 2020. [Web: SA’s TB Tests Drop Over 30% Due To COVID-19 – Worse Outcomes Predicted For Life-Threatening Disease – iAfrica]
5. Hopewell PC, Reichman LB, Castro KG. Parallels and Mutual Lessons in Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Transmission, Prevention, and Control. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2021;27(3):681-686. doi:10.3201/eid2703.203456. [Web: Parallels and Mutual Lessons in Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Transmission, Prevention, and Control – Volume 27, Number 3—March 2021 – Emerging Infectious Diseases journal – CDC]
6. World Health Organisation. Joining Forces to End TB and COVID-19. 2020. [Web: https://www.who.int/news/item/12-05-2020-joining-forces-to-end-tb-and-covid-19]
7. Texas Health and Human Services. Tuberculosis and COVID-19, Know the Difference. [Web: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/IDCU/disease/tb/publication/COVIDandTB.pdf]
8. All Africa. South Africa: First Ever National Survey Shows the Extend of South Africa’s TB Problem. 2021. [Web: https://allafrica.com/stories/202103150247.html]
9. Medical Xpress. S.Africa trial shows promise for drug-resistant TB regimen. 2021. [Web: Africa trial shows promise for drug-resistant TB regimen (medicalxpress.com)]
10. National Department of Health Republic of South Africa and USAID. Multi-Drug Resistant TB: A Policy Framework on Decentralised and Deinstitutionalised Management for South Africa. 2019. [Web: Multi-Drug Resistant TB: A Policy Framework on Decentralised and Deinstitutionalised Management for South Africa | USAID TB South Africa Project]
11. Salar, AA. Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 2020. [Web: https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/extra-pulmonary-tuberculosis.htm]

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster

Telephone:        (011) 469 3016

Email:   connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.zaor estene@mnapr.co.zaD

Medipost Pharmacy

Media release

 No need to suffer in silence with period pain

Pharmacy options to assistwomen with ‘monthly visitor’

 Wednesday, 17 February 2021, For three days a monthon average, a significant proportion of the population experience painful menstruation. Whileit is not often spoken about, period pain can be very uncomfortable for girls and women if the symptoms are not treated.

“Period pain is a very common reason for women requesting self-medication pain relievers, such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories drugs (NSAIDs), which are a necessity for many girls and women as part of their normal monthly cycle,” says pharmacist Byron Chukwu of Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy.

“Since there are various pain relievers available without a doctor’s prescription, women should discuss their individual needs with their pharmacist. It is important that they understand the options available to them and when it may be necessary to seek advice from their medical practitioner.”

According to Chukwu, pharmacists’ recommendations for relief of period pain are NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or analgesics such as paracetamol. “Whichever of these is used, we always advise that the person eats before taking pain relievers especially NSAIDs, as they can be harsh on the stomach lining, and if taken repeatedly on an empty stomach could increase the likelihood of developing ulceration.

• NSAIDs

“NSAIDsare used to help stop the onset of inflammation through reducing the production of prostaglandins, which cause the cramping and pain symptoms during menstruation.”

The recommended dosage for ibuprofen is 400mg every 4 to 6 hours a day, not exceeding 3200mg in 24 hours.

“As with other medicines, be sure to check with your treating doctor for any possible drug interactions if you are taking other medicine, and to make sure there are no other contraindications before taking ibuprofen. For instance, women who have a stomach ulcer should not take ibuprofenbecause this could aggravate it,” Chukwu advises.

• Analgesics

“Analgesics are considered safer than NSAIDs because they have very few side-effects and little interaction with other types of medicine, however, all medicines should be used with care and only as advised,” he says.

“The standard dose for adults is 500mg to 1000mg, four times per day, not exceeding 4000mg in 24 hours.

To avoid paracetamol overdose, be sure to double-check that no other medicines you are taking contain paracetamol.”

Paracetamol is not suitable for people with liver or hepatic impairment, as it is metabolised or processed through the liver.

People registered with Medipost Pharmacy’s chronic medication delivery service or self-medication online shophttps://shop.medipost.co.zahave access to telephonic clinical advice from pharmacists and pharmacist’s assistants in their preferred official South African language.

This service is available from Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 17h00, and Saturdays between 08h00 and 12h00for advice regarding dosage, possible side effects or interactions and other concerns relating to medication dispensed by Medipost Pharmacy.

“Usually, period pain may be expected to last approximately one to three days, however if a woman finds that she is experiencing discomfort requiring pain relief for longer, she should consult amedical practitioner,” Chukwu says.

In appropriate cases, thetreating doctor or specialist may prescribe combined oral contraceptive pills, which reduce the thickness of the endometrial lining that produces the prostaglandins causing period pain.

 “Applying warmth to the area may help to soothe menstrual cramps. Drink warm beverages and be sure to eat breakfast. Where needed, an iron and folic acid supplement,may be taken for a few days to help ward off anaemia,” he says.

“When used appropriately, self-medication products can be most effective for managing the symptoms of period pain,” he concludes.

Ends

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster

Telephone:        (011) 469 3016

Email:                   connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.zaor estene@mnapr.co.za

Medipost Pharmacy

Media release

 Pharmacist’s advice to keep allergies and motion sickness at bay

Antihistamines offer relief for acute allergy symptoms, travel sickness

 Common allergies and motion sickness can put a damper on enjoyment of everyday life. A pharmacist sheds light on antihistamine medicines, explaining how they can be helpful for short-term relief of the symptoms associated with allergies and a useful addition to any medicine kit.

“Runny nose, hay fever, watery eyes, sneezing, postnasal drip, skin irritation and skin rashes are common ailments that pharmacists are often asked for advice on,” says Byron Chukwu, a pharmacist with Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy.

“Fortunately, there are effective self-medication options that pharmacists can recommend to combat these unpleasant symptoms if allergies are getting you down. Various types of affordable antihistamines are available without a doctor’s prescription, depending on the patient’s requirements.”

Chukwu explains that ‘histamines’ are chemicals released by the body in response to environmental irritants, setting off a response from our immune systems causing streaming eyes and noses, swelling, itching and a whole range of uncomfortable allergic symptoms. “Antihistamines are medicines that block histamines to reduce the body’s unpleasant reaction to allergens, such as pollen, dust, pet dander or certain foods,” he says.

“Self-medication antihistamines can be most helpful in the short-term, however persistent hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, usually requires long-term treatment involving a combination of prescribed medicines. If the symptoms do not resolve within a few days it best to consult your general practitioner to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.”

Chukwu warns that some individuals are histamine intolerant, which can present similar symptoms to seasonal allergies. “For people who have histamine intolerance, it is advisable to avoid fermented dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and alcohol as this can aggravate their symptoms,” he says.

According to Chukwu certain types of antihistamines can also be effective for treating nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness or vertigo. “Motion sickness, sometimes called travel sickness, is often experienced by passengers travelling in cars, boats, trains or aeroplanes. Some people may be more prone to motion sickness than others. In general, these antihistamines should be taken two hours before travel to prevent motion sickness.

“Vertigo, on the other hand, is characterised by a ‘spinning’ sensation, often described as feeling like one’s surroundings are moving around dizzyingly. In some cases, vertigo can badly affect a person’s balance and cause extreme nausea,” he says.

 “Like any medicine, antihistamines have a variety of side effects. Some of the more common are drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, sedation, constipation and dry eyes. If a patient is concerned about drowsiness, pharmacists can recommend later generation antihistamines that do not have this side effect.”

Chukwu warns that extreme caution should be taken for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children when using antihistamines.

“People who are taking certain medications, including some medicines prescribed for high blood pressure, are advised to only use self-medication antihistamines with extreme caution.

“Ask a pharmacist about any possible drug interactions before using antihistamines. People registered with Medipost Pharmacy have access to telephonic clinical advice from our pharmacy team for queries such as these,” he says.

People who make use of Medipost Pharmacy’s chronic medication delivery service or self-medication online shop https://shop.medipost.co.za have access to telephonic clinical advice from pharmacists and pharmacist’s assistants in their preferred official South African language to discuss dosage, possible side effects or interactions and any other concerns relating to their medication.

Self-medication products purchased from Medipost Pharmacy are delivered safely and conveniently to any address in South Africa. Delivery is free when combined with delivery of chronic medicines.

“Self-medication antihistamines are only meant to be used for a short period of time. Although they have low potential for addiction, if taken for a long period of time first generation antihistamines might lead to a person developing a tolerance to them, as well as more adverse effects. It is crucial that any medicine is only ever used in accordance with a healthcare professional’s advice and manufacturer’s recommended dosage and instructions,” Chukwu concludes.

Ends

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Vorster

Telephone:        (011) 469 3016

Email:                   martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za

Medipost Holdings, Netcare Foundation and Maboneng Foundation
Joint media release

Over R700k raised for life-saving child heart surgeries

Medipost, Netcare Foundation and Maboneng Foundation go ‘Heart-to-Heart’
Wednesday 2 December 2020, At least seven children will be able to undergo crucial heart
procedures this festive season thanks to life-saving donations from two leading South African
Healthcare companies.

“There are no words to fully capture the significance of this remarkable donation for the children
born with serious heart defects who will now get the surgeries they need thanks to Medipost
Holdings and the Netcare Foundation,” says Dr Erich Schürmann, cardiac surgeon at the Maboneng
Heart & Lung Institute based at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital.

The Heart-to-Heart campaign, initiated by Medipost and Netcare, is a corporate social investment
(CSI) match funding challenge to raise the necessary resources for life-saving operations for children
born with congenital heart defects. Medipost Holdings was the first to pledge its donation when the
group put forward R360 000 towards the specialised procedures for paediatric cardiac patients in
need, via the Maboneng Foundation, a non-profit organisation that raises funds and co-ordinates
sponsorship of surgeries for South African children afflicted with congenital heart defects.

The Netcare Foundation, which is the CSI arm of the Netcare Group, then matched the donation,
thereby doubling the initiative’s reach for positively impacting children’s lives.
“An investment in the health of children is an investment in the future of our society, and it is an
immense privilege to support the Maboneng Foundation’s efforts to secure the resources to assist
children requiring heart surgery,” says Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director of the
Medipost Holdings group of companies, comprising Medipost Pharmacy, MediLogistics, Kawari
Wholesaler and Distributor and the Medi Training Academy.
“We were deeply touched to learn that the Netcare Foundation matched our donation in support of
this important cause.”

Commenting on the initiative, Jacques du Plessis, managing director of Netcare’s hospital division
says cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthetists, perfusionists and allied health care professionals
of the Maboneng Heart & Lung Institute, have committed their time and expertise free of charge in
assisting patients referred by the Maboneng Foundation.

“In a year during which such life-saving procedures have virtually come to a standstill, as a result of
COVID-19, we felt compelled to do our bit to ensure that the life-saving work being done by this
dedicated team of healthcare professionals could go ahead in the coming weeks
“The state-of-the-art paediatric cardiothoracic centre based at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital in
Johannesburg is the largest of its kind in Africa and treats children from all over the African
continent and the work of the institute has already given many highly compromised children a
chance at life.

“Unfortunately, there remains an enormous need for these often highly complex paediatric heart
operations for thousands of children in our country, and the region,” notes Du Plessis .

Over R700k raised for life-saving child heart surgeries

According to the Maboneng Foundation, approximately 10,000 babies are born with a congenital
heart defect in South Africa each year. “Only about 10% of these babies are operated on and go on
to live a full and healthy life. The disturbing reality is that only a fraction of babies born with a heart
defect receive the needed surgical interventions in time,” Dr Schürmann says.

“It is only through the generosity of corporates and individuals that the Maboneng Foundation is
able to secure the resources we need to help more children as early as possible for optimal
outcomes. Our sincerest thanks to Medipost Holdings and Netcare, as well as to the Maboneng
Heart & Lung Institute specialists who will perform the procedures in the coming days.
“While the beneficiaries aren’t old enough to realise the significance of your support yet, they will be
one day as a result of it. In the meantime, we thank you on their behalf for giving these children the
ultimate gift – a chance at life.”

Mande Toubkin, general manager: emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment
at Netcare adds: “Through collective efforts so much more can be achieved where it is needed most.
We hope that the funding raised through the Heart-to-Heart campaign will secure a brighter future
for more children with life-threatening heart conditions to enable them to thrive and go on to make
their mark in the world.”

Ends
For more information about the Maboneng Foundation or to make a donation please visit
http://www.mabonengfoundation.co.za/
For more information on this media release, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.
Issued by: MNA on behalf of the Netcare Foundation and Medipost Holdings
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, graeme@mnapr.co.za,

meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za

Medipost Holdings

Media release

 Education and employment: a lifeline for those living with disabilities

Life Ngubane shares her story of hope, determination and commitment

Wednesday, 2 December 2020, When you leave for work or school on Casual Day, spare a thought for the more than two million South Africans for whom education or employment opportunities may not come so easily.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually commemorated on 3 December. Here in South Africa, we know it as Casual Day, the flagship awareness and fundraising project of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities. Across the country, people donate a small amount of money in return for a Casual Day sticker, which allows them to participate by dressing up or dressing down either for work or school for one day. This annual event raises funds and awareness for people living with disabilities.

This day is an important reminder to us that people living with disabilities are disproportionally limited in terms of their access to education and employment. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), over 2.8 million South Africans or 7.5% of our national population live with a disability – and this vast number does not even include statistics on children under the age of five or persons with psychosocial and certain neurological disabilities.

“It was only when I was 14 and in high school that I came to understand that we live in a world where not everyone is kind. I was not the most popular kid at school and I had to find my own way in this world. I had to accept that this was the life that I was given, this is the hand that I was dealt. It was up to me to ensure that I make the most of it, by not pitying myself or expecting others to feel sorry for me,” explains Life Ngubane (34), a pharmacy assistant at Medipost Pharmacy and an ambassador for people with disabilities within Medipost Holdings.

Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director
of Medipost Holdings, which includes Medipost Pharmacy, MediLogisitcs, Kawari Wholesalers and Distribution and the MediTraining Academy, says Life was chosen to share her story not only because of her incredible zest for life but also for the fact that she is deeply respected by everyone.

“Life does not hesitate to make her voice heard and she has assisted us in making many positive changes to ensure that our employees with disabilities are given ample opportunities within the group,” adds Myburgh.

“I have a brain, I have a voice, and a very thick skin,” says Life, who as the ambassador for people with disabilities, feels strongly about educating people with disabilities.

“My message to individuals with disabilities is not to surrender to unemployment statistics. Use your voices to educate those around you about what it means to live with a disability. You have to use whatever you have to gain as much as possible from this world. Nobody else is able to do that for you. This is the life that was given to you and you have to live it to the fullest,” asserts Life.

“Every day brings its own struggles. I never know whether five taxis are going to drive past without giving me a second thought. I never know whether someone will be willing to assist me with reaching the button for an elevator or help open a door for me,” adds Life.

She is fiercely independent and sees herself just as any other person, albeit a very ‘short’ person, who just happens to have to get around in a wheelchair. “There is no reason to feel sorry for me. I was born this way and I have accepted it a long time ago.

“The really important thing people should know is that we don’t expect special treatment. What we want is equal opportunities, for people to understand that we are not that different from them as they may think. We have a meaningful contribution to make to society.

“We need to break down the stigmas that teach us that there is something wrong with a person who is living with a disability and start seeing everyone as simply being human. The only way we are able to do so is for the people who are living without disabilities to talk openly, to ask us about what it means to have a disability, what and when we require help with and, above all, to treat us as equals,” notes Life.

Life entered the world as one of a set of twins that their parents were not expecting. Life has a twin brother who was born minutes before her, and minutes before the medical team and her parents knew that a second baby was on its way. “I came as a complete surprise, nobody was expecting me,” laughs Ngubane as she explains her entry into the world.

Not only was Life born quite unexpectedly, she was also born with severe spina bifida, a birth defect that happens when the spine does not develop normally and as part of her condition was born with muscle weakness, loss of bladder control and paralysis.

“As a small child I spent most of my time in and out of hospital. I was very ill, had to have several operations and around the clock care,” she says. “Having been born in a rural community in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal neither my parents or our family were prepared for the challenges.

“It was only through the medical team that my parents were made aware and encouraged to understand that I was quite a bright child and that I had to be given the opportunity of a proper education, that there are schools for children with disabilities and that my only hope for a good future was a formal education,” she explains.

Life was placed in a remedial boarding school at the age of five and had to learn to become independent very quickly. “There was very little sympathy going around back in those days. I had to learn to dress, bath, move around and make my way to class myself with very little assistance. At the time it was quite a shock but today I am thankful for the valuable life lessons that I was taught during that time,” she says.

When Life went to high school, she had to relocate from KwaZulu-Natal to Soshanguve in Pretoria to accommodate her school needs, while her family remained behind in Richards Bay. She completed her matric, had big dreams of attending university, but life didn’t turn out that way.

“I applied for several short learnership courses and then only did the reality of living with a disability set in. I was well-cared for at the schools but nothing quite prepared me for the real world. The struggle to find a job was real but I wasn’t willing to give up and stay at home. I eventually secured a position as a receptionist at Medipost after applying for many positions, and decided that I was not going to become a statistic,” explains Life.

“Having an education or being able to educate someone else is one of the biggest gifts that you can ever receive. It has enabled me to see myself beyond a person living with a disability that can I live a meaningful life. I have a very keen mind, am willing to work hard and actually enjoy studying and learning. I will continue to strive to study further and educate myself whenever the opportunity presents itself,” concludes Life.

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Holdings

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster

Telephone:        (011) 469 3016

Email:                   connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za  

Medicine parcels help patients to stay safer at home

High-tech dispensary almost doubles daily capacity to meet lockdown demand

The state-of-the-art Western Cape Government Health (WCGH) Chronic Dispensary Unit (CDU) in Parow, Cape Town, has moved into high gear this year, helping to reduce the risks of chronic patients contracting Covid-19 through preparing their medicine parcels for home delivery and collection at designated collection points at healthcare facilities during the national lockdown.

“More than 84 000 additional stable chronic patients have been registered for this service since the start of lockdown, and the CDU has ramped up its capacity to more than keep pace with this increased demand,” says Ludo Tandt, general manager of the CDU.

The CDU, a contract between WCGH and Medipost Pharmacy, was already dispensing an average of 16 500 to 18 500 parcels per day prior to the pandemic, however the daily average is now up to 32 000 parcels per day. From the start of 2020 to the end of September, 3.8 million medicine parcels were dispensed from the CDU.

Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, points out that long before the global pandemic, the WCGH was working to decongest healthcare facilities, thereby strengthening health systems while simultaneously improving the patient experience.

“For almost 15 years, the department has delivered pre-packaged patient medicine parcels for stable chronic patients to either Department facilities and clinics, or alternate collection sites to reduce waiting times and alleviate the need for patients to queue at pharmacies,” Dr Mbombo says.

The establishment of the CDU’s advanced and highly specialised automated chronic medicine dispensing, sorting and parcel assembly line in 2018 enhanced operational efficiencies, in turn creating more capacity in the Department’s hospital and clinic pharmacies for patients’ acute medication needs and in-person consultations.

“With the advent of Covid-19 there was a need to limit opportunities for this highly infectious viral illness to spread, especially among individuals with pre-existing health conditions, while still ensuring patients have access to their prescribed chronic treatment,” WCGH Head of Department, Kim Lowernherz adds.

The Department quickly established a system to ensure patients living with a stable chronic health condition could receive their medicine parcels via home delivery, with over 100 000 parcels delivered safely and conveniently to patients in their own homes since the start of lockdown.

“Through existing community-focused health structures, the medicine parcels dispensed by the CDU are disseminated through partner non-profit organisations to community health workers, who then deliver the parcels to patients.”

The CDU’s medicine dispensary system was specially designed to fulfil the specific and stringent requirements of the Western Cape Government Health for preparing and despatching large volumes of medicine parcels each month.

“These medicine parcels are a vital tool in the provision of Community Based Primary Care, bringing healthcare services closer to patients so that they are more convenient and accessible,” adds Noel Guliwe, chief executive officer of the Medipost Holdings group, which operates the CDU on behalf of WCGH.

“The CDU is therefore optimising and expanding to ensure sufficient capacity to fulfil the anticipated future demand for this successful service. Planning is at an advanced stage for a second dispensing line to be introduced by the end of the year, growing capacity for an additional 20 000 patient scripts to be processed per day.

“Chronic medicine is a vital lifeline, and this innovative use of local partnerships and world-class CDU technology has fulfilled an important role in keeping patients’ health conditions well managed during the pandemic,” Guliwe concludes.

Ends

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Vorster

Telephone:        (011) 469 3016

Email:                   connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za

Medipost Pharmacy

Media release

Advice for managing Covid-19 pain and fever safely at home

Even the safest painkiller must be used with care, pharmacist warns

Wednesday, 29 July 2020, Fever, body aches and pain are among the commonly reported symptoms of Covid-19 and are also associated with other viral infections, including influenza. While these symptoms
can be most unpleasant, frequently they can be managed at home on the advice of a healthcare professional. It is crucial, however, that medications for relieving symptoms are always used appropriately and safely, a pharmacist warns.

“Many Covid-19 patients describe experiencing severe headaches, body aches, sore throat and chest pain, and the most common symptoms reported are fever, chills, and shivers. Paracetamol has been proposed as the safest drug for relief of these symptoms, particularly pain and fever, for most of the population,” says pharmacist Ria Westerman of Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy.

“Even though paracetamol is effective and very safe even for pregnant women and babies, as with all medicines, it is extremely important not to exceed the dosage that is specified on the packaging or recommended by your treating doctor. When taken in excessive doses, an overdose of this safe medicine can lead to toxic effects on the body,” she explains.

How paracetamol can be helpful for Covid-19 home care
Fever – a heightened body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or more – is common in our bodies’ response to an infection such as Covid-19.

“It has been noted that in certain cases, the pain and fever and other symptoms of the illness can feel so bad that the person becomes anxious and may even experience panic attacks, which could potentially worsen their situation. Fortunately fever, aches and pains can be effectively managed with paracetamol, which is inexpensive and readily available without the need for a doctor’s prescription.

”Paracetamol still regarded as safest, 65 years later

“Before the introduction of Paracetamol in 1955, all the other painkillers that were available either had unpleasant side-effects or a significant risk of the patient experiencing a bad reaction to the medicine.  The development of paracetamol was an enormous breakthrough, and even up to this day it is still  considered the safest analgesic [meaning ‘pain alleviating’] and anti-pyretic [meaning ‘fever reducing’] medicine available,” she explains.

Although paracetamol is safe for all ages, from babies to adults, with very few side-effects and little interaction with other types of medicine, Westerman emphasises that all medicines should be used with care and only as advised.

Avoiding overdose
“There are many products containing paracetamol, which is the generic name for the compound, and it is available under many different brand names either as a single ingredient or in combination with other
ingredients. Accidental overdose is unfortunately common, but can be avoided. If you are taking more than one type of medicine, it is important to check all the ingredients to ensure you do not exceed the safe dosage for paracetamol.” 

The standard dose for adults is 500mg (one tablet) to 1000mg (two tablets) four times per day. This means that 1000mg, or one gram, is the maximum dose for an adult in a six-hour period, which should never be exceeded, with a maximum of 4000mg (i.e. four grams equivalent to eight tablets) in 24 hours.

“Unlike most other types of painkillers, paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach without causing irritation. In terms of pain relief properties, this is significant as paracetamol can be more rapidly absorbed, bringing more intense relief sooner than most other common oral analgesics. It is a gentle yet powerful painkiller,” she says.

Caution for some

Westerman points out that paracetamol is unfortunately not suitable for people with liver or hepatic impairment, as it is metabolised or processed through the liver. “As alcohol dependence can affect liver
function, these patients should seek their doctor’s advice and only take paracetamol on their recommendation,” Westerman advises.

“There are very few interactions with other medications, of which the most significant is the interaction with anticoagulants (blood thinning), such as Warfarin, and people on such treatments should only take paracetamol under supervision or on the recommendation of a physician.”

People who make use of Medipost Pharmacy’s chronic medication delivery service or self-medication online shop https://shop.medipost.co.za have access to telephonic clinical advice from pharmacists and pharmacist’s assistants in their preferred official South African language to discuss dosage, possible side effects or interactions and any other concerns relating to their medication. This service is available from Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 22h00, and Saturdays between 08h00 and 12h00.

“Although most people who fall ill with Covid-19 are able to recover at home with symptomatic relief, it is important to keep in regular contact with one’s treating doctor and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen. It may also be reassuring to regularly check blood oxygen levels with an oximeter, which is available from leading pharmacies including the Medipost Pharmacy online shop,” Westerman notes.

“It is crucial that any medicine is only ever used according to the manufacturer’s or a healthcare professional’s advice, as inappropriate use can be harmful. When taken safely, however, paracetamol can bring immense relief for symptoms of pain and fever during recovery from colds, influenza and less severe cases of Covid-19,” she concluded.

Ends
Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or
estene@mnapr.co.za

Medipost Pharmacy and MediLogistics

Media release

COVID-19 won’t stop medicine deliveries

Medicines, chronic medicines in particular, are a lifeline for a significant proportion of the South African
population. The COVID-19 outbreak has raised pertinent questions around how those practising social
distancing measures can continue to access to their medicines while avoiding unnecessary contact with
other people. Fortunately, Medipost Pharmacy with its logistics expertise, offers practical precautions to
allow delivery of medicines, safely and undisrupted, for those who would rather avoid standing in
pharmacy queues.
“Most Medipost Pharmacy patients have always received their chronic medicines without having to set
foot in a pharmacy with other people. With recent calls for people to avoid close contact with others to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, this method of receiving medicines makes sense now
more than ever,” says Medipost Pharmacy’s Chief Executive Officer Louis Scheepers.
“As South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy, we have implemented solid contingency plans and
precautions so that our patients and the healthcare providers we supply can rely on us during the COVID19 outbreak.
“Many older people and others who may be more vulnerable to more severe complications of COVID-19,
and increasingly members of the general public, are concerned about visiting public places and
pharmacies in person, and are practising self-isolation or social distancing to reduce their risks of
infection.
“Our message to such individuals is that we stand ready to deliver their medication and health-related
products, in line with strict hygiene measures to prevent contamination for the safety of all concerned.”
Medipost Pharmacy currently serves some 400 000 medical scheme members on average each month,
with their personal medicine parcels either delivered to the address of choice, or ready for the patient to
collect from pick up points. It also provides oncology medication and other vital pharmaceutical supplies
to healthcare providers.
“In light of the risk of contamination associated with COVID-19, we have stepped up hygiene precautions
to ensure that deliveries are handled with even more care than usual. As well as the meticulous hygiene
precautions that are standard in the preparation and handling of medicine parcels, delivery personnel
are now equipped with facemasks and sanitisers that have a minimum of 70% alcohol base.”
Further, they are all working under instruction to meticulously sanitise their hands and any materials
used in the delivery process, before and after every delivery, and their vehicles are regularly cleaned and
disinfected. Sanitiser bottles also have to be kept within vehicles to reduce risk of contamination, and
contact with patients and their home surrounding will be limited to an absolute minimum.
“In terms of continued medicine and other supplies availability, we are in constant contact with
manufacturers and suppliers. All have assured us that they have enough stock and foresee no difficulties,
but of course we are keeping a close eye on the developing situation,” Scheepers adds.
As an additional safeguard, Medipost Pharmacy makes use of in-house courier service MediLogistics,
which was established in 2012 to provide end-to-end control over the courier pharmacy service process.
While there is no requirement at present for courier services handling medicines to be registered with regulatory authorities, MediLogistics already follow principles of Good Pharmacy Practice when
delivering medicines and has implemented new safety precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Group Chief Executive Officer of Medipost Holdings, Noel Guliwe, says the organisation has prepared
extensively in terms of hygiene precautions and strategies for infection prevention.
“In addition, we have developed various scenario-based plans, which will be rolled out as needed to
ensure we are able to continue to serve your needs when you need us most,” he says.
“This continuum of care ensures ongoing professional compliance with specified conditions for various
types of medicines, and serves as a built-in contingency in the event of any unforeseen interruption of
third-party delivery services,” Guliwe adds.
Some Medipost Pharmacy patients collect their chronic medicines from pick up points or their doctor’s
practice, and at these facilities sanitiser with 70+% alcohol is also being used to reduce the risk of
transmission. In addition with social distancing practised as far as practically possible.
Doctor practice collection points are an important service to improve access of chronic medication in
areas where limited healthcare services are present and further supports adherence, which is as crucial
as ever in light of COVID-19, as patients can conveniently collect their prescription medicines from their
doctor’s premises. Strict confidentiality measures, including the fact that there is no indication of the
parcel contents on the external packaging, ensure that patient privacy is protected.
Apart from dispensing prescription medication, Medipost Pharmacy also offers other health-related
products, health-related items such as ostomy and urology appliances, as well as continence care
products.
Medipost Pharmacy has made it easier than ever to order self-medications and any other monthly
medicine from the privacy of your own home. Simply visit https://shop.medipost.co.za/ and register a
profile to start using this convenient service.
“These additional measures provide peace of mind for healthcare professionals and patients alike as we
face this new global health challenge. We remain ready to continue doing what we do best and are
adapting our service to ensure we can make it as easy as possible to receive your medicines and health
supplies at your convenience,” Scheepers concludes.

Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: martina@mnapr.co.za, graeme@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or
estene@mnapr.co.za

Medipost-apteek en MediLogstics

Mediavrystelling

Covid-19 stop nie medisyne aflewerings nie

Medisyne, veral chroniese medisyne, is ‘n reddingsboei vir ‘n beduidende deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse
bevolking. Die Covid-19-uitbraak het pertinente vrae laat ontstaan oor diegene wat sosiale distansiëring
toepas, en hoe hulle kan voortgaan om toegang tot hul medisyne te verkry terwyl hulle onnodige kontak
met ander mense vermy. Gelukkig bied Medipost-apteek met sy logistieke kundigheid, praktiese
voorsorgmaatreëls om die aflewering van medisyne veilig en ononderbroke moontlik te maak vir diegene
wat verkies om toue in die apteek te vermy.
“Die meeste Medipost-apteekpasiënte het altyd hul chroniese medisyne ontvang sonder om ‘n voet
binne ‘n apteek te sit. Met die onlangse beroep op mense om noue kontak met ander te vermy om die
verspreiding van Covid-19-infeksies te voorkom, maak hierdie manier om medisyne te kry vir diegene
wat dit nodig het, meer sin as ooit, ”sê Louis Scheepers, uitvoerende hoof van Medipost-apteek.
“As die grootste nasionale koerierapteek in Suid-Afrika, het ons soliede gebeurlikheidsplanne en
voorsorgmaatreëls geïmplementeer sodat pasiënte en gesondheidsorgverskaffers aan wie ons dienste
lewer, op ons kan vertrou tydens die Covid-19-pandemie.”
“Baie ouer mense sowel as ander wat meer kwesbaar kan wees vir meer ernstige komplikasies van
Covid-19, asook al hoe meer lede van die breër publiek, is besorg daaroor om openbare plekke en apteke
te besoek en pas self-isolasie of sosiale distansiëring toe om hul risiko vir infeksie te verminder.
“Ons boodskap aan dié mense is dat ons gereed is om hul medikasie en gesondheidsverwante produkte
te lewer, in ooreenstemming met streng higiëniese maatreëls om besmetting te voorkom vir die
veiligheid van alle betrokkenes.”
Medipost-apteek verskaf tans maandeliks ongeveer 400 000 lede van mediese skemas met medisyne
wat afgelewer word by die pasiënt se adres van keuse, óf dit word vir die pasiënt by ‘n goedgekeurde
afhaalpunt besorg. Dit sluit onkologie medikasie en ander belangrike farmaseutiese voorraad aan
gesondheidsorgverskaffers in.
“In die lig van die risiko van besmetting wat met Covid-19 verband hou, het ons higiëniese
voorsorgmaatreëls versterk om te verseker dat aflewerings met nog meer sorg as gewoonlik hanteer
word. Behalwe die noukeurige voorsorgmaatreëls vir higiëne wat standaard in die voorbereiding en
hantering van medisynepakkies is, is afleweringspersoneel nou ook toegerus met gesigmaskers en
sanitiseerder wat oor ‘n minimum van 70% alkoholbasis beskik. ”
Verder werk hulle onder streng instruksie om hul hande en produkte wat in die afleweringsproses
gebruik word noukeurig te sanitiseer, voor en na elke aflewering terwyl voertuie gereeld skoongemaak
en ontsmet word. Handreinigers moet ook binne voertuie gehou word om die risiko van besmetting te
verminder, en kontak met pasiënte en hul huishoudings word tot ‘n absolute minimum beperk.
“Wat die voortgesette beskikbaarheid van medisyne en ander voorrade betref, het ons voortdurend
kontak met vervaardigers en verskaffers. Almal het ons die versekering gegee dat hulle oor genoeg
voorraad beskik en geen tekorte word voorspel nie, maar ons hou natuurlik die ontwikkelende situasie
fyn dop,” voeg Scheepers by.
As ‘n bykomende voorsorgmaatreël maak Medipost-apteek gebruik van MediLogistics, die maatskappy
se interne koerierdiens wat in 2012 gestig is. Hoewel daar tans geen vereistes is dat koerierdienste wat medisyne hanteer, by die regulerende owerhede geregistreer moet wees nie, volg MediLogistics reeds
die beginsels van Goeie Apteekpraktyk met die aflewering van medisyne met addisionele
veiligheidsmaatreëls wat ingestel is om Covid-19-infeksies te voorkom.
Uitvoerende hoof van die Medipost Holdings groep, Noel Guliwe, sê die organisasie het wyd voorberei
ten opsigte van voorsorgmaatreëls vir higiëne en strategieë vir die voorkoming van infeksie.
“Daarbenewens het ons verskeie scenario-gebaseerde planne opgestel om te verseker dat ons kan
voortgaan om aan jou behoeftes te voorsien wanneer jy ons die nodigste het,” sê hy.
“Hierdie voortgesette sorg verseker die deurlopende nakoming van spesifieke medisyne riglyne vir
sekere siektetoestande, en dien as ‘n ingeboude gebeurlikheidsplan indien daar enige onvoorsiene
onderbreking van afleweringsdienste deur derde partye sou plaasvind,” voeg Guliwe by.
Party Medipost-apteekpasiënte ontvang hul chroniese medisyne by afhaalpunte by hul dokter se praktyk
en daar word ook by hierdie fasiliteite sanitiseerder met 70+% alkohol gebruik om die risiko van
besmetting te verminder. Daarbenewens word sosiale distansiëring so ver as moontlik toegepas.
Medisyne-afhaalpunte by dokterspraktyke is ‘n belangrike diens om toegang tot chroniese medisyne en
riglyne wat chroniese medisyne ondersteun te verseker. Dit is veral van uiterste belang in gebiede waar
beperkte gesondheidsorgdienste beskikbaar is, wat veral in die lig van Covid-19 kritiek word, aangesien
pasiënte hul voorskrifmedisyne met gemak op die perseel kan afhaal. Streng vertroulikheidsmaatreëls,
insluitend die feit dat daar geen aanduiding van die pakkie-inhoud op die eksterne verpakking is nie,
verseker dat die pasiënt se privaatheid beskerm word.
Afgesien van die reseptering van voorskrifmedisyne, bied Medipost-apteek ook self-medikasie, stomaen urologiesetoestelle, sowel as inkontinesiesorgprodukte aan.
Medipost-apteek het dit nou makliker as ooit gemaak om self-medikasie en enige ander maandelikse
medikasie vanuit die privaatheid van jou eie huis te bestel. Besoek eenvoudig
https://shop.medipost.co.za/, registreer ‘n profiel en maak gebruik van hierdie verbruikersvriendelike
diens.
“Hierdie addisionele maatstawwe verseker gemoedsrus vir beide gesondheidsorgpraktisyns en pasiente
terwyl ons hierdie nuwe globale gesondheidsuitdaging aanpak. Ons is gereed om aan te hou doen wat
ons die beste doen en ons diens aan te pas om te verseker dat ons dit so maklik as moontlik vir jou maak
om jou medisyne en gesondsheidsprodukte so gerieflik as moontlik te bekom,” sluit Scheepers af.

Uitgereik deur: Martina Nicholson Associates namens Medipost
Kontak: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville of Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telefoon: 011 469 3016
E-pos: martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za of estene@mnapr.co.za 

[pdf-embedder url="https://medipost.optogmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Medipost-Pharmacy-COVID-19-Letter-from-CEO-to-Customers.pdf" title="Medipost Pharmacy COVID-19 Letter from CEO to Customers"]