"The U.S. government is proud to partner with the Western Cape government to leverage the newer e-locker technology to offer South Africans more convenient options for getting their chronic medicines, ultimately improving and saving lives. This is one more example of the incredible things that our USAID team is able to accomplish here in the Western Cape," said Acting U.S. Consul General in Cape Town, Will Stevens.
Rolled-out by USAID-funded local implementing partner Anova Health Institute, the e-lockers are an easily accessible option for patients to pick-up their chronic medicines - all while promoting social distancing.
Each locker contains a patient medication parcel pre-packed with medicines dedicated to specific patients, who then receive an SMS notifying them that their medicine is ready, along with a one-time pin code. It should then take less than 5 minutes for patients to input the pin and collect their parcel.
“If you want to use the e-locker option, speak to your doctor to see if you are considered stable on your chronic medicines, as this may be an alternate medication collection option. You will also need to have a contactable cell phone to receive the one-time pin. Health workers or pharmacy staff at a facility are best positioned to help clients register to use the e-locker nearest to them,” said Acting USAID Mission Director Kevin Sturr.
Anova Health Institute installed the first of the eleven e-locker sites in District Six, in the Cape Town’s central business district (CBD), on June 21, 2021. “It is placed in a secure area which may be accessible after hours. Very convenient for our working clients to collect after work. This is important for this facility which is based in the CBD and services clients from all over the Cape Metro area,” said Anova Pharmacy Supervisor, Najma Solomon.
“We are extremely excited about this new initiative as we firmly believe that the introduction of the E-lockers will benefit our clients greatly. Not only will the waiting times for the patients be reduced but patients now also have flexible collection times for their medication. Many of our patients access the city to work and so the opportunity to access the E-lockers after hours is wonderful and we trust our clients will appreciate this,” said Reuben Christoffels, facility manager of the District Six Community Health Centre.
Further sites identified for e-lockers include health facilities in Delft, Heideveld, Elsies River, as well as specifically at Gugulethu Community Health Centre, Eerste River Hospital, Khayelitsha District Hospital, Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre, Lady Michaelis Community Health Centre, and Kraaifontein Community Health Centre.
Ensuring access to HIV and TB services remains essential, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. PEPFAR focuses on facilitating client-centered care, making it easier for people to access, start, and stay on lifesaving HIV and TB treatment.
To read previous press releases on United States assistance to South Africa, please visit: https://za.usembassy.gov/category/press-releases/