Travelling long distances to get chronic medication is now a thing of the past for the elderly in uMlazi U-Section

 

The burden of walking long distances in order to get access to crucial medication is now a thing of the past for residents of Ward 86 in uMlazi U Section, thanks to intervention by the Provincial government of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the Ethekwini Metro.

The MEC for the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube visited the Central Methodist Church which houses the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensation and Distribution (CCMD) Centre. The centre ensures that the elderly and those that suffer from chronic illnesses are able to receive their treatment closer to their homes without having to travel to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.

Dube-who is the champion MEC for the eThekwini municipality says she will work unceasingly to ensure that the poor in the Municipality are not spending even a cent to collect medication. She vowed to advocate for community structures such as churches to be used as collection points all over the metro.

Her visit today is part of the Province wide programme called Operation Sukuma Sakhe. This is aimed at addressing social ills. Through it members of the Provincial Cabinet visit various wards and meet with the communities and the respective ward based War Rooms which bring various government departments together to work with the community in addressing challenges.

Dube-Ncube also urged residents to close ranks around combating crime and the social ills that accompany it. “As a community, we have to stand together and combat the scourges that are destroying us. We have to unite and ensure that we are never divided in our efforts. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to deal harshly with illegal electricity connections that continue to pose a danger to our communities,” said Dube-Ncube.

For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokespersons Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403; or Msawakhe Mayisela, 060 966 4220

Date: 12 July 2017

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