The City of Cape Town's Pharmaceutical Service dispenses millions of items annually. 

In the last year, it has also successfully implemented the Elula Pharmacy System (Rx), which is a digital dispensing and stock management programme.

For patients, it means reduced pharmacy waiting times and for staff, improved workflows and stock control, access - in real time - to data, as well as the latest medicine reference materials. 

'City Health is slowly working its way towards greater digitisation of its systems, for improved patient outcomes. In the last year, we've seen the piloting of an appointment system, and now our pharmacies too are on the digital track. Over time, and as these systems are fine-tuned, we expect to see even greater efficiency in the service,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

While the Elula system has improved the logistics of medicine dispensing, adherence to prescribed regimens remains an ongoing (and universal) challenge.

'We recognise that many of our clients are investing in their health by taking guidance from our medical professionals, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Those who are not following their regimen put themselves at risk, but in the case of communicable diseases like TB, they are also putting others around them at risk,' added Councillor Higham.

City Health is addressing non-adherence through Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), which aims to ensure the appropriate use of antimicrobials to combat issues like antimicrobial resistance. 

Antimicrobial resistance is caused by the incorrect/overuse of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals which causes bacteria; viruses and fungi to change over time, and no longer respond to medicines.

The City appeals to the public to do their bit by:

• Taking antimicrobials only when and AMS prescribed
• Completing their full course of treatment
• Taking chronic medication exactly as prescribed
• Not mixing medication with other substances like alcohol or drugs
• Not sharing medication 
• Disposing of unused or expired medication appropriately by returning it to their nearest pharmacy

 

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