The days of waiting in long queues for medication are over following the launch of Collect & Go smart lockers. These medication dispensary containers work similarly to ATMs, ensuring your next collection will be fast and fuss-free.

Right ePharmacy introduced these lockers in 2020 and at the end of February 2022, almost 434 000 chronic prescriptions had been loaded. A further 336 000 prescriptions were collected from 64 Collect & Go sites in Gauteng, Free State and Mpumalanga.

Corneel Kraamwinkel, Senior Operations Specialist at Right ePharmacy, said that South Africa currently has 64 Collect & Go sites. He added that there are a further 11 sites deployed in the Western Cape and another 11 in Limpopo.

These smart lockers have ample benefits alongside ease and functionality. Medication is safely stored and they aid COVID-19 regulations by allowing a safe distance between collectors. The biggest advantage, however, is helping patients to stay on their treatment. 

COVID-19 and chronic medication

Throughout the pandemic, one of the most worrying trends were patients who were unable to access their medications or feared coming to clinics and hospitals at risk of catching the virus. As a result, many patients defaulted on chronic medication.

Right ePharmacy’s Managing Director, Fanie Hendriksz, highlighted how COVID-19 intensified the need for alternative medication collection points. 

“People wanted to avoid facilities without stopping their treatment. Many turned to Collect & Go to collect their chronic meds from a conveniently located smart locker site without going into a clinic or hospital. By using Collect & Go, close contact with other people is avoided, which is critical for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and HIV who want  to avoid COVID-19,” said Hendriksz.

How to register

To access a Collect & Go, patients must be registered at their local clinic. It is important to ask a nurse or physician at your healthcare facility if you qualify to collect your medicine from a Collect & Go. Upon registration, your healthcare facility will issue your first two month’s supply of medication as well as provide a date for your next medicine collection from the smart locker.

When your medicine arrives at the Collect & Go smart locker, you will receive an SMS with a One-Time Pin (OTP). You will then be able to collect your medication from your nearest Collect & Go smart locker. When the time comes for your check-up and prescription refill, you will receive an SMS reminding you to return to your healthcare facility.

How to make use of Collect & Go 

It is important to remember to keep your one-time pin safe. You will receive a new pin for every collection. Once you have received your pin, go to the allocated smart locker, and type your pin into the touch screen pad. The locker with your medication will immediately open. Collect your medication and close the open locker, it’s fast and easy.

Here is a map of all the Collect & Go locations available in the country.. – Health-e News