Medipost Pharmacy

Media release

 Start the year with a medicine cabinet spring clean

Old opened and expired medicines can be hazardous, pharmacist warns

The contents of your household medicine cabinet could do more harm than good if the products are expired or have been open for some time. To ensure that your home medicine kit is safe and ready for the year ahead, it should be ‘spring cleaned’ at least once a year and any out-of-date or potentially contaminated items should be safely disposed of and replaced with fresh supplies.

“Medicine cabinets should be cleared out regularly, as certain types of medicine may degrade and lose their effectiveness over time, and may even become hazardous over time,” Gerda Potgieter, a pharmacist at South Africa’s largest national courier pharmacy, Medipost Pharmacy, advises.

“Examine everything, including ointments, supplements and vitamins, and discard any item that is beyond its expiry date. Discard any items that have changed colour, look as though they may have degraded, become cloudy or developed a noxious smell. This is most important because the chemical composition, and thus the efficacy or even safety of the products may become compromised over time.”

Many people do not fully understand how medicine manufacturers’ expiry dates are defined, leading to confusion over whether a particular bottle of medicine is suitable for use, she explains.

“It is important to note that the expiry date actually refers to the unopened product, and indicates that the full potency and safety of the drug can be guaranteed by the manufacturer up until this date.

“Once medication is opened, the medication may become contaminated. Taking a tablet out of its container, touching an eye drop bottle to your eyelashes or opening a bottle of cough syrup can result in air and germs being introduced, which voids the expiry date printed on the package.”

It is therefore advisable to discard any remaining unused medicine products that have been opened previously.

“Certain medicines are known to lose potency very quickly, and it is particularly dangerous to use medicines such as insulin, for the treatment of diabetes; nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina chest pain; and norepiniphrine, a treatment for anaphylactic shock, once they have expired.

Out of date preservatives in eye drops may allow bacterial growth in the solution, which could make the medicine unsafe.

“While regularly clearing out your medicine cabinet can help avoid your family taking medicines that may have lost efficacy or become contaminated, it is also a good idea to develop the good habit of checking the expiry dates on any medication before taking it,” Potgieter advises.

She warns against storing left over medicines in containers other than the original packaging. “If medication is no longer in its original container and you cannot remember what it is, rather play it safe and discard it. It is best to keep medicines in their original packaging to avoid possible confusion.

“Also, when restocking your medicine cabinet remember to retain the medicine package inserts, which provide details relating to possible contraindications, drug interactions and side effects, for future reference,” she recommends.

“Antibiotics should never be retained for future use, and one should always complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by your treating doctor. Not only do they lose potency, it is essential that antibiotics are only taken for the specific infection as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. This is because if antibiotics are taken for the incorrect type of infection, they are likely to be ineffective and could lead to more serious illnesses and the development of antibiotic resistance.”

According to Potgieter, while many people store medicines in bathroom cabinets, this is not an ideal place to store such products since the temperature and humidity of the bathroom environment can reduce the potency of some medications.

“Rather store medicines in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. Contrary to popular belief, storing medication in a fridge does not necessarily extend the shelf life, as the humidity in the fridge may sometimes be detrimental to the stability of the medication. Unless the medicine packaging specifies that the particular product must be kept refrigerated, it is best to rather keep medicines out of direct sunlight, in a cool and dry place.”

Potgieter warns that any medication, including expired medication, can be hazardous in the wrong hands. “Medicines must be kept out of reach of children and pets, and anyone who may not be informed about their safe and appropriate use,” she says.

The safest way to discard medicine is to take it to your pharmacy for safe and environmentally friendly disposal.

“Throwing unused medicine away in the garbage or flushing it down the toilet can be dangerous, as landfill sites and water supplies become tainted with discarded medicines when people dispose of them in this manner.”

Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director of Medipost Holdings group, says that Medipost Pharmacy patients are most welcome to hand in expired medication for disposal, and can arrange for collection of such medication through our national courier pharmacy service.

“Medipost Pharmacy has made it easier than ever to restock your medicine cabinet and order everything from self-medication products and chronic medicines to ostomy and urology appliances, mobility aids, as well as continence care products, for delivery at the privacy of your home.

“Orders for appliances and self-medication products, which are those health products that can usually be bought without a prescription, can be placed online, via email, with a simple telephone call, or via SMS. Chronic medicine orders can be placed similarly by sending a doctor’s prescription through these channels, with an MMS or even via fax,” Myburgh notes.

“There is no time like the present for ensuring your home medicine cabinet is freshly stocked and ready for your family’s wellness needs for the year ahead,” Potgieter concludes.

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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 Holdings

Media release

 Excellence and determination celebrated at MediTraining Academy Graduation

Next generation steps up to fill skills gaps in SA health sector

 Forty-seven men and women donned academic gowns to celebrate their MediTraining Academy graduation recently, and are now setting their sights on a brighter future. Many of the graduates are now qualified in fields that are sorely needed within South African healthcare.

“Each one of these graduates has worked hard to get to this point, and we are extremely proud of the dedication and perseverance they have shown in preparation for achieving their qualifications,” says Noel Guliwe, chief executive officer of Medipost Holdings, which comprises Medipost Pharmacy, Kawari Wholesaler and Distributor, MediLogistics and the MediTraining Academy.

MediTraining Academy provides training for identified employees within the Medipost Holdings group of companies. The independent training and development facility is operated by Medipost Holdings, which places an emphasis on curricula that equip students to play an active role in an efficient and equitable healthcare delivery system within the wider South African context. 

“There remains a serious shortage of post basic pharmacy assistants in South Africa, however through the MediTraining Academy we have the opportunity to develop existing staff members within Medipost Holdings and provide them with appropriate training to fill this skills gap,” Guliwe explains.

“These graduates are assisted to register with the South African Pharmacy Council, and gain practical experience at Medipost Pharmacy to develop their skills in the working environment so that they are equipped for future opportunities within the healthcare industry.”

In November 2019, a total of 47 employees graduated from the academy, including nine MediLogistics staff, one Kawari staff member and 37 Medipost Pharmacy employees. They graduated with qualifications including the National Certificate in Management Stores and Warehousing, and Qualified Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant certificates.

Minette Horstmann, operations manager of the MediTraining Academy, says that including the current graduates, the academy has trained 424 qualified Post Basic Pharmacists’ Assistants since 2011.

“At the graduation ceremony, a number of learners were recognised with special accolades for their achievements. Qualified Post Basic Pharmacist Assistant graduates Makatsane Thutse and Bonita Kruger both received Top Performer awards in their respective groups, while Munene Mabunda of MediLogistics Gezina hub was recognised for academic excellence for her achievement in the National Certificate in Management Stores and Warehousing,” Horstmann says.

The learners were asked to vote for the Post Basic Pharmacy Assistant student leadership award, which was presented to Katlego Mampane, as well as for the best MediTraining Academy Assessor, and this award went to Anneke Scheepers.

“On behalf of the Academy, I want to congratulate all our graduates who have not only earned valuable qualifications that will serve them well for their future career development.

“These learners have all worked hard and persevered through the challenge of balancing their studies with full-time employment. I would like to encourage each one of the graduates to continue their quest for knowledge and excellence, and they will surely discover their own unique way of contributing to our society and the profession,” she concluded.

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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 Pharmacy

Media release

Newly revamped Walk-in pharmacy launched with old-school, caring approach

Pop in for all your self-medication, chronic and acute medicine needs

 Thursday, 5 December 2019, For 28 years, Medipost Pharmacy has served the country’s chronic medicine needs through its national courier pharmacy operations. On Wednesday, 4 December, a new chapter in pharmacy service began as the company re-launched its improved Walk-in pharmacy with an extended product offering at the Gezina Shopping Centre in Pretoria.

“The newly revamped Medipost Walk-In Pharmacy is a refreshing departure from our traditional approach, which has been primarily concerned with the dispensing of chronic medicines for delivery nationally,” says Louis Scheepers, chief executive officer of Medipost Pharmacy.

“Complementing our convenient remote service offering, the Walk-In Pharmacy allows members of the Pretoria community the opportunity to experience our pharmacy care face-to-face.”

While the Gezina Medipost Walk-In Pharmacy previously served the public as a pick up point for chronic medicine parcels, it now offers a comprehensive product range including self-medication, a small range of hygiene and beauty brands. It also provides a dispensing service for prescribed chronic medications and acute medicines, such as short-course antibiotics, which was not offered before.

According to Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director of Medipost Pharmacy, the upgraded Walk-In Pharmacy offers the community a pharmacy experience unlike any other. “We have placed an explicit focus on the customer experience while ensuring that our prices are extremely competitive, delivering a new approach to ‘old-school’ pharmacy care,” she explains.

“We identified a niche in the market for a walk-in pharmacy that is designed with an emphasis on comfort and shopping ease for customers, rather than the usual retail pharmacy design that typically jams too many products into narrow aisles resulting in a claustrophobic commercial space rather than a care-focused pharmacy experience to be enjoyed at one’s leisure.

“The Medipost Walk-In Pharmacy aims to define a new standard in personalised, caring service that is built on professional pharmacy expertise while offering those home medicine kit essentials, nutritional supplements and little extras such as hair and skin care products which are also easy on the pocket.”

She adds that a comfortable seating area and the pharmacy’s spacious layout makes it ideal for parents shopping with children, individuals with impaired mobility, as well as senior citizens from the surrounding communities. The Medipost Walk-In Pharmacy is located within the Gezina Shopping centre, at 593 Nico Smith Street, Gezina.

“We are looking to offer something a little different; a retail pharmacy experience that cares for the members of the community we serve while taking their differing needs and wants into account,” Scheepers adds.

“The Medipost Walk-In Pharmacy brings us closer to the local community, and we are embracing the opportunity to redefine the public’s expectations of the physical experience of a visit to their friendly neighbourhood pharmacy,” Scheepers concludes.

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 More about Medipost Pharmacy

Medipost Pharmacy, which is the largest such service registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), provides free delivery of chronic medication anywhere throughout the country to ensure patients have reliable, timeous access to chronic medications.

 For the last 28 years, Medipost Pharmacy has been a trusted partner to medical schemes, private and public patients, providing free delivery to a customer’s home, their nearest approved delivery point, such as a doctor’s rooms, clinic or PEPcell counter, and by arrangement to the customer’s temporary address or holiday destination within South Africa.

 The company claims, dispenses, dispatches and delivers chronic medication to beneficiaries, to medical schemes, and other clients such as the employer groups and the Department of Health. Some 400 000 members of 82 medical schemes across South Africa are among those currently benefitting from Medipost’s courier pharmacy service.

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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 Holdings

Media release

Rising to President’s SAFE toilet challenge ahead of World Toilet Day

Upgraded kitchen and no more pit latrines at North West’s Sunrise Crèche

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to business to help eradicate dangerous pit latrines from schools has been taken up with a recent intervention that saw new flush toilets installed at Sunrise Crèche, an early childhood development centre in Ga-Motla, a small town in the North West.

Ruth Kganane, founder of Sunrise Crèche in Ga-Motla, North West, is pictured with some of her pupils following a recent Medipost Holdings corporate social investment project. The company recently replaced the crèche’s pit latrines with flush toilets, in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for the private sector to participate in the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative. This World Toilet Day, which is commemorated on 19 November, the pupils of Sunrise Crèche have access to flushing toilets, which are not only safer and more hygienic than pit latrines but also allow the children and staff a greater sense of privacy and dignity

‘Leaving no one behind’ is the theme for this year’s United Nations World Toilet Day, which is commemorated on 19 November. One of Medipost Holdings’ recent corporate social investment initiatives ensured that the 55 young children enrolled at Sunrise Crèche are not ‘left behind’ with the installation of new flush toilets.

“Previously, our school only had three pit latrines for the children and the staff members. Pit toilets are not safe, especially for young children, and for a long time we had been looking for funding or for the business community to help us build proper flushing toilets, which are much safer,” says Mgibe Kganane, who works at Sunrise Crèche.

Last year, President Ramaphosa launched the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative following a number of tragedies that occurred due to pit latrines still being used in schools. In terms of the initiative, companies were urged to help to improve sanitation at some 3 800 underprivileged schools that were still reliant on unsafe pit toilets.

Kgomotso Maapola, key accounts manager for Medipost Holdings, comprising Medipost Pharmacy, Kawari Wholesalers, MediLogistics and MediTraining Academy, says that the group wanted to make a difference through its corporate social investment activities by contributing to SAFE.

“Sunrise Crèche, which opened in 1990, is doing excellent work in early childhood development on very limited resources for the children of the Ga-Motle community. The staff were worried about the safety of the pit latrines, and we saw an opportunity to help.”

Medipost Holdings arranged for the pit latrines to be safely filled in, and in total seven flushing toilets were installed: three for the girls, three for the boys and one for the staff members.

“Not only are the new toilets safer and more hygienic, they allow the children and staff a greater sense of privacy and dignity, which many of us take for granted,” Maapola says.

Appreciating the importance of nutrition to early childhood development, Sunrise Crèche provides the 55 children in its care with nutritious meals but this was becoming increasingly difficult because the school kitchen was dilapidated. Medipost Holdings renovated the kitchen, installing a kitchen unit, a kitchen sink with running water and a gas stove. A fresh coat of paint provided the finishing touch.

“Education and health have always been important to Medipost, as we believe these are the pillars of a more equal and prosperous society. We hope that the new toilet facilities and the upgraded school kitchen will help to make a healthier, safer learning and teaching environment for the pupils and staff of Sunrise Crèche.

“As we approach World Toilet Day, we would like to challenge other companies to help make school sanitation safer by helping to eliminate the last remaining pit latrines at schools as part of their corporate social investment programmes,” Maapola concludes.

Ends

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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 Holdings

Media release

Millions saved for medical schemes and their members

Medicine costs reduced through a continuum of care

In just a single year, one South African courier pharmacy company saved the South African healthcare industry over R157 million on medicine costs, contributing to its sustainability through containing medical costs and improving health outcomes for members living with chronic conditions.

“These savings are calculated according to the difference between the product dispensed versus the relevant medical scheme’s reference pricing, and these savings help to keep schemes’ membership contribution increases to a minimum for the following year,” explains Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director of Medipost Holdings, which comprises Medipost Pharmacy, Kawari Wholesalers, MediLogistics and MediTraining Academy.

Medipost Pharmacy currently serves 400 000 medical scheme members on average each month, including close on 180 000 beneficiaries of South Africa’s largest closed medical scheme, which the courier pharmacy company has worked with for over 12 years,” she adds.

“With a significant and growing proportion of the public requiring long-term medicine for chronic illnesses, this has become a major cost driver for medical schemes and the members they serve. Chronic medicines are a lifeline, yet many people are unaware that there are measures they can take to help reduce the costs associated with treatment.”

Medipost Holdings is able to keep the costs of medicines low due to the large scale of its operations and the fact that the group companies complement each other in a secure value chain.

The group’s in-house supply and distribution service Kawari Wholesalers obtains medicines directly from pharmaceutical manufacturers, while the group logistics company, MediLogistics, transports the medicines to Medipost Pharmacy in accordance with the principles of Good Pharmacy Practice. Once the medicines have been dispensed, MediLogistics transports the patient-ready parcels to medicine collection points and directly to patients, completing the continuum of care.

Medipost Pharmacy’s dispensing fees are considerably below the market average, and customers are not billed for the administrative or courier delivery fee aspects of the service.

“Once an individual has been to their doctor and obtained a prescription, our service allows them to place the order for delivery via our website, email, WhatsApp or even fax, whichever is most convenient for the individual,” she explains.

“Medipost Pharmacy can also assist medical scheme members to ensure that the medicines dispensed are claimed from the appropriate benefit category, which ultimately results in medical scheme members’ benefits and savings, where applicable, being conserved, with the added convenience of free delivery of medicines through MediLogistics,” Myburgh adds.

This year, Medipost Pharmacy introduced self-medication products to its offering, whereby customers can place orders for a wide range of health products that can be bought without a prescription. Orders for these unscheduled products can be placed with a simple telephone call or WhatsApp message. A list of currently available self-medication products can be obtained via email from info@medipost.co.za.

“The Medipost Holdings continuum of care approach is not only saving South African medical schemes millions of rands and preserving members’ funds, but it is also helping to make life-saving medicines more accessible to all. In addition, through enhancing the accessibility of medicines our service assists in supporting treatment adherence among those living with chronic health conditions for better health outcomes,” Myburgh concludes.

Ends

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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 Pharmacy

Media release

Knowledge is power against the fake and substandard drug trade

Beware the dangers of illicit and counterfeit medicines

The criminal trade in counterfeit and stolen medicines threatens hundreds of thousands of lives globally each year, often preying on the most desperate and vulnerable individuals. Public awareness and responsible pharmacy practice are key components of the concerted international effort to identify and eliminate these illegal products.

“Many of us have seen adverts on the internet for well-known medicines that are usually only available with a doctor’s prescription. Powerful painkillers or medicines for erectile dysfunction, for example, may be advertised for a fraction of the usual cost with no prescription required to order the medicine. This is just one of the many ways in which unscrupulous criminal organisations dealing in fake or stolen medicines operate,” explains pharmacist Ria Westerman of Medipost Pharmacy.

Fake, or counterfeit, medicines are products that are illegally manufactured in imitation of original pharmaceutical products, and often contain inappropriate amounts of the active ingredients or even none at all.

“Counterfeit medicines, apart from being ineffective as treatment, may even be contaminated with hazardous substances such as building cement, paint thinner or antifreeze. The intention is to sell these unregistered substances, instead of the real medicine, for profit to unwitting retailers or consumers,” she explains.  

“These imitations can be very convincing, however sometimes it is possible to detect small differences in the appearance of the medicine or packaging when it is closely compared with the genuine article. If a consumer notices that a batch of medicine differs in colour, size, shape or packaging, or notices that the packaging appears to have been tampered with, they should contact their pharmacist for advice,” advises Westerman.

“The human toll of counterfeit medicines cannot be ignored. Several years ago, for example, counterfeit meningitis vaccines administered to children in Nigeria led to tragic consequences. This is because when children fell ill, their parents confirmed they had received the vaccine and meningitis was therefore ruled out as the cause of their illness, leading to many deaths.

“In another instance, counterfeit anti-malaria medication for treating fatal Falciparum Malaria, that in fact only contained sugar and resulted in over 1000 malaria deaths in Africa, was documented by the World Health Organization [WHO],” she adds.

“Substandard medicines are also cause for concern. These are medicines that have been legitimately produced by the manufacturer but have, for one reason or another, failed to meet quality assurance standards or may have expired. By law, these products must be destroyed, however they may be illegally repackaged and sold by criminals who see an opportunity for making money with no regard for the health and safety of the patient who would take the medicine, believing it to have therapeutic value.”

According to Westerman, the illicit trade in medicines in South Africa often involves legitimate medicines that have been obtained illegally, and may be dangerous in the wrong hands. “These medicines may be sold very cheaply in this illegal trade without the buyer having to present a doctor’s prescription, which would ordinarily be required. The public should be aware that the quality of medicines purchased illegally could be substandard due to various factors, such as the conditions under which the medicine has been stored.”

While South Africa has not been as severely impacted by counterfeit and substandard medicine problems as many other African countries, particularly those in central and West Africa, the public and healthcare workers should be alert to the potential dangers and always remain vigilant.

According to Westerman, it is worthwhile to check the expiry dates marked on any medication. “If you notice that the expiry date is marked on an added-on label, which bears no other product information, this is unusual for medicines and should be checked. Peeling back the sticker could confirm whether it may be concealing an earlier expiry date, which would be an indication that the medicine is not fit for consumption and would need to be reported.”

The greatest protection against the dangers of counterfeit or substandard illegitimate medicines for healthcare consumers is to obtain medicines through reputable pharmacies that are registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).

“Medicines dispensed by registered pharmacies, such as Medipost Pharmacy, that are supplied only by appropriately registered manufacturers and wholesalers offer the best possible reassurance against counterfeit and substandard medicines,” says Rentia Myburgh, Medipost Holdings’ group director of sales and marketing.

“The Medipost Holdings group offers an additional layer of protection, as the in-house supply and distribution service Kawari Wholesalers obtains medicines directly from pharmaceutical manufacturers, while the group logistics company, MediLogistics, transports the medicines to Medipost Pharmacy in accordance with the principles of Good Pharmacy Practice. Once the medicines have been dispensed, MediLogistics transports the patient-ready parcels to medicine collection points and directly to patients,” Myburgh explains.

Advice for the public

• Do not purchase medicines from unregistered websites or websites that offer to ship medicines to you from other countries.
• Do not buy medicines from acquaintances, informal traders, casual traders or anyone other than reputable registered pharmacies.
• Beware of any individual or pharmacy that offers you medicine that usually requires a prescription without asking you to present a doctor’s script.
• Compare your new medicine with the previous month’s supply of the same prescribed medicine. If you notice differences in the packaging or appearance of the medicine, discuss this with your pharmacist.
• Check the expiry dates on your medicine packaging. If there is more than one expiry date, or attempts have been made to conceal an expiry date, report this to your pharmacist.

“Awareness and responsible health consumerism can go a long way towards protecting the people of South Africa from the dangers of substandard and counterfeit medicines,” Westerman concluded.

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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

Medipos

Holdings

Media release

Pharmacy advice in home language promotes safe and effective medicine use

Patients empowered with telephonic medicine advice in all South African languages

Monday, 2 September 2019, September is National Pharmacy Month, which aims to draw attention to the importance of using medicines responsibly for maximum benefit and to prevent potential harm.

“In South Africa, where there are no fewer than 11 official languages, it is crucial that patients have access to expert advice on appropriate use of medicines in a language of their choice,” says Noel Guliwe, Chief Executive Officer of Medipost Holdings who is also a qualified pharmacist.

Chief executive officer of Medipost Holdings Noel Guliwe, who is also a qualified pharmacist, says that for medication to work best, patients need to be able to discuss their medication and how to take it with a registered pharmacy professional in a language they fully understand.

“Generic medicines have improved the availability and accessibility of vital, life-preserving treatments for patients with chronic illnesses in particular. However, to get the best results from any course of treatment the medicine must be taken exactly as indicated without disruption. If medicine is not taken correctly it can, potentially, even be harmful.”

Patients on chronic medicine, in particular, require support to get the best out of their medication. Even in more developed nations, the World Health Organization [WHO] estimates that only approximately half of people who are prescribed chronic medication take it correctly¹, while a United States study found that over a third of American adults² do not have an adequate level of health literacy to get the maximum benefit from medicines, as they have difficulty following the directions for use printed on prescription medication labels.

“Medicine is only effective when those who need it are empowered to take their medication consistently and appropriately as it is prescribed. For medication to work best, patients therefore need to be able to discuss their medication and how to take it with a registered pharmacy professional in a language they fully understand,” explains Guliwe.

According to Rentia Myburgh, Group Sales and Marketing Director of Medipost, the company considers its efforts to empower patients with the relevant information in their preferred language as central to its philosophy of promoting accessibility of medicines.

With 459 qualified pharmacists and pharmacist assistants in Medipost Pharmacy’s employ, the company has invested in the necessary skills to not only deliver medicines, but also to deliver personalised care and support to the public it serves.

The telephonic advice service is available to Medipost Pharmacy customers from 08h00 to 22h00 on Monday to Friday, and 08h00 to 12h00 on Saturdays, to discuss issues such as potential side effects of medicine dispensed through Medipost and directions for use with a properly qualified, registered professional.

“We consider this telephonic pharmacy advice service to be a crucial tool in assisting to address gaps in people’s understanding of how to use medicine effectively, as this is key to proper disease management and promoting better health outcomes,” Guliwe adds.

“When people are equipped with the knowledge to take prescribed medicines to best effect, in their own language, and barriers to accessing chronic medicine are removed through enhanced convenience and affordability, this is a significant step towards enhancing health outcomes for all,” he concluded.

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More about Medipost Pharmacy

Medipost Pharmacy, part of the Medipost Holdings group, is the largest such service registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and provides free delivery of chronic medication anywhere throughout the country to ensure patients have reliable, timeous access to chronic medicines.

For the last 27 years, Medipost Pharmacy has been a trusted partner to medical schemes, private and public patients, providing free delivery to a customer’s home, their nearest approved delivery point, such as a doctor’s rooms, clinic or PEPcell counter, and by arrangement to the customer’s temporary address or holiday destination within South Africa.

The company claims, dispenses, dispatches and delivers chronic medication to beneficiaries, to medical schemes, and other clients such as the employer groups and the Department of Health. Some 400 000 members of 82 medical schemes across South Africa are among those currently benefitting from Medipost’s courier pharmacy service.

For further details please visit https://medipost.optogmedia.com/

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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 Holdings

Media release

Medipost brightens up retirement home

Tea party for residents of freshly renovated seniors’ home

Wednesday, 28 August 2019, The A re Aganeng Old Age Home in Makapanstad, near Hammanskraal, recently received a welcome ‘facelift’ with a fresh coat of pale turquoise paint courtesy of Medipost Holdings, and the seniors who call A re Aganeng their home were treated to a tea party to celebrate the re-opening of the revamped facility.

Residents of A re Aganeng Old Age Home, in Makapanstad near Hammanskraal, enjoying a tea party to celebrate the renovation of their home, which was provided by Medipost Holdings as part of the group’s annual corporate social investment programme.

“Some time ago it came to our attention that A re Aganeng Old Age Home, a non-profit organisation caring for senior citizens, was in need of roof and ceiling repairs but did not have sufficient funds for this maintenance,” says Kgomotso Maapola, corporate social investment (CSI) manager for Medipost Holdings, comprising Medipost Pharmacy, MediLogistics, MediTraining and Kawari Wholesalers.

“Through our CSI projects, Medipost Holdings seeks to give back to society through making a contribution in the communities we interact with. Senior citizens have a special place in our hearts, and we therefore wanted to find a way to assist A re Aganeng Old Age Home in upgrading their facility”.

Medipost Holdings arranged for the ceiling to be repaired and the building to be freshly painted in a beautiful shade of pale turquoise. “The colour of the paint chosen is particularly appropriate in light of the ‘Go Turquoise for the Elderly Campaign’, which aims to promote awareness of the rights of senior citizens,” Maapola adds.

Jarita Mabula, who works at the retirement home, says that the residents are most grateful for Medipost Holdings’ assistance.

“Medipost started by fixing our roof, as it was leaking, and the ceilings, which were broken. They painted all the walls inside and outside of our home. We are feeling very happy here at A re Aganeng Old Age Home because of what Medipost has done for us,” Mabula says.

“Once the painting and repairs had been completed, staff members from our in-house logistics company, MediLogistics, as well as Medipost Pharmacy and the training facility MediTraining returned to the elderly care facility to hold a special tea party for the residents,” Maapola adds.

“The men and women enjoyed tea and scones, and we also provided fruit and platters of savoury snacks. Each resident was given a warm hat and scarf, and we spent time chatting to them and singing together. The residents thanked Medipost for helping their facility, and it was really touching to see how much they appreciated the tea party and our company.

Staff members of MediLogistics, Medipost Pharmacy and MediTraining, which are all part of the Medipost Holdings group, spent time with the elderly residents of the retirement home. They served tea and breakfast to the residents and joined in a lively singalong.

Mabula adds: “On behalf of our elders, I want to express our gratitude to Medipost for all they have done for us.”

“The retirement home does such wonderful work in taking care of the residents, and we are only too glad to have been able to offer our support,” Maapola observes.

Medipost Holdings also donated over a month’s worth of groceries and hygiene products to the retirement home to assist with the residents’ daily needs.

“It was such a pleasure to bring joy to the wonderful residents of A re Aganeng and spend time hearing their incredible stories. We have such respect for our country’s senior citizens, and are delighted we could bring smiles to their faces,” Maapola concluded.

Ends

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 Holdings

Media release

Mobilising the power of education to break the cycle of poverty

Wednesday, 3 July 2019, Growing up in a community where household budgets are so tight that speaking about your need for shoes, winter clothing, feminine hygiene necessities or even stationery could mean the rest of your family may not have enough to eat, may lead to a situation where children would rather go without these essentials than ask for them.

A day filled with fun physical activities demonstrated to the pupils the advantages of exercise and sports to get your heart racing. 

Learners at the Olefile Secondary School, which is situated in the deep rural village of Pitsedisulejang, Moses Kotane Municipality in the North West province, do not often get the opportunity to venture much further than the informal settlement they call home. A recent Medipost Holdings corporate social investment initiative, however, enabled the Olefile high school learners to participate in a fun-filled sports and recreation day hosted at Clapham High School in Pretoria.

A recent corporate social investment initiative saw Olefile high school learners from Pitsedisulejang in the Moses Kotane Municipality in the North West participate in a fun-filled sports and recreation day in Pretoria.

Medipost Holdings partnered with Patricia Mathivha recently on a health and education focused corporate social investment initiative for pupils of Olefile Secondary School. Mathivha has a deep and fundamental understanding of the challenges faced by children who live in poverty, as she comes from a very similar background. She was eager to inspire the school pupils to look beyond their present economic situation and keep working towards a brighter future.

“I grew up very, very poor. We didn’t always have food or clothes, and shoes were something you only got for Christmas or when they got passed down or donated.

“With the first money that I earned, I bought myself my first underwear and sanitary pads, and I felt rich,” says Mathivha, who is now a pharmacist and owner of Vida Brands (Pty) Ltd which sells Sally Sanitary Pads.

“Through this initiative, I want to plant hope. I want to be a reference point for children who are growing up the same way as I did,” she explains.

Kgomotso Maapola, corporate social investment manager for Medipost Holdings, comprising Medipost Pharmacy, MediLogistics and Kawari Wholesalers, says that all too often there are economic barriers that make it particularly difficult for children to focus on their health and education.

“The school first approached us because the learners desperately wanted to play sports, but could not afford the kits needed. When they made the request, we knew that we had to get involved.”

High school learners were not only taught but shown how much joy an active lifestyle can bring.

“There are a number of factors that we take into account when we have the opportunity to support non-profit organisations through our corporate social investment initiatives. The promotion of education and health are top priorities for Medipost, as we believe these are the pillars of a more equal and prosperous society,” explains Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director of Medipost Holdings.

Mr Tefo Makganye, the principal of Olefile Secondary School, adds: “To put it into perspective, many have never seen an urban city and most never been inside a vehicle for such a long distance.”

According to Makganye, the school faces many serious socio-economic challenges: “A lot of our children come from homes where poverty is rife. Many have parents who are unemployed and their circumstances at home are dire, to say the least. We have learners that come to school hungry every day and who struggle to concentrate. In many cases, these promising youngsters cannot see beyond the confines of their circumstances.”

“We want our youth to become healthy, active adults, but they do need support and encouragement. We need to not only tell them, but also show them, how it can change their lives. In February we donated kits for netball, soccer and volleyball. It only seemed natural to then challenge them to play against our staff netball and soccer teams in their new sports kits,” Maapola says.

Victor Khoza, a pharmaceutical administrator for Medipost Pharmacy, a division of Medipost Holdings, was both the master of ceremonies and the commentator for the sporting events of the day. “I cannot begin to explain how deeply humbled and honoured I feel to have had this opportunity to give of my time to these learners. They taught us more than we could ever teach them through their spirited determination and zest for life. All of this, despite the difficulties they face day after day.”

Khoza was one of the many employees from Medipost who volunteered their time to reach out to the school pupils. “What better way than a day filled with fun physical activities to demonstrate to the children the advantages of getting our hearts racing through exercise, sports and dancing?”

The day kicked off with the bus ride for the grade 8 to 12 learners from Moses Kotane to the sports grounds of Clapham High, where the day’s festivities were hosted. Upon arrival, breakfast was served and, before the sporting challenge kicked into gear, the learners were warmly welcomed with an inspirational talk by Mathivha that struck a chord with them.

Rentia Myburgh, sales and marketing director of Medipost Holdings says the promotion of education and health are top priorities for Medipost. 

“Rising above one’s circumstances is possible, but it takes hard work. The one thing that kept me going growing up, was the knowledge that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. When you are motivated, determined and willing to work hard, there are opportunities available out there. Education is the basis from which you need to work, from there it is simply a matter of finding the opportunities to get those bursaries and sponsorships that will enable you to reach your dreams,” Mathivha says.

According to Makganye, the students were incentivised to attend the day based on their sport and academic performance. The top ten boys and girls of each grade were selected. “When Medipost informed us that we have been selected for the initiative, we were over the moon. Our school is so deeply rooted in the rural community that in the past 11 years since I have been here, not a single foundation that we have approached offered us such an investment,” he explains.

Khoza says Team Medipost scored 10 – 2 against Olefile in netball, while the two soccer matches were split between the teams. In the first game, Medipost won 6 – 4 and in the second match, Olefile defeated Medipost 3 – 0. A dance-off between the teams saw the learners dancing their way to victory. The day wrapped up with a prize giving where learners received medals and goodie bags with pencil case equipped with stationery for both girls and boys and sanitary pads for the girls to take home. 

“The value of this initiative is that these high school learners were not only taught but also shown how much joy an active lifestyle can bring, apart from the many physical, emotional and mental benefits of the exercise.

“The incentive and the inspiring speech deeply touched the hearts of everyone who attended. It made the learners aware that the potential to harness educational and employment opportunities is well within their reach if they continue to work hard towards fulfilling their dreams,” Maapola concludes.

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

Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and 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