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Jun 09
The Pelebox smart locker medicine-collection system is revolutionising healthcare for patients with non-communicable diseases

by Roma Ramphal, HST Provincial Differentiated Care Manager

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The National Department of Health's Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme (also known as Dablapmeds) supports medicine supply for over 30 disease conditions. The CCMDD option increases patients' access to chronic medication by facilitating quick and easy medicine collection at multiple pick-up points in communities.  

With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma on the rise, innovative solutions are needed to enhance patient care and improve treatment outcomes.

Typically, patients living with NCDs are burdened with regular visits to healthcare facilities for medication refills, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and in some cases, costly. CCMDD enrolment enables clinically stable patients with NCDs to collect their medicines from convenient pick-up points; this supports their treatment adherence for a controlled state of health. 

Installed across four districts in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) by the Health Systems Trust, the Pelebox™ is a 'smart locker' system designed and produced in South Africa by Technovera (Pty) Ltd. The Pelebox technology offers a range of benefits to patients on treatment for chronic illnesses, because they can collect their medication at the right time and near to where they live or work, thereby reducing the risk of missed doses or medication errors.

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The Pelebox smart locker system at Umlazi N Clinic in Durban.


Automated SMS reminders are built into the Pelebox notification system to support patients in keeping to their medication schedules, which leads to better disease management.

Health Systems Trust has installed 18 Peleboxes since 2019, and more than 8 500 patients living with NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis are Pelebox users.

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HST's Provincial Differentiated Care Manager, Roma Ramphal, assists a new Pelebox user to set her One-Time PIN access code.

 

The Pelebox lockers are installed outside health facilities, and patients can effortlessly retrieve their medications around the clock, without assistance, via the automated mechanism that ensures confidentiality and security.

Even better news is that the Pelebox has a back-up battery that survives a two-hour loadshedding or power-outage duration, so patients can plan for such emergency collections.

The toll-free Dablapmeds Call Centre number – 0800 212 350 ‒ is available during operating hours: Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00, and Saturdays 08h00 to 13h00 

The Self-Help WhatsApp Line: 0872407171 is available every day, around the clock.

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If you're not registered for Dablapmeds, ask your clinician at your next consultation about joining the programme.


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