Home delivery of medication as part of reducing congestion in primary healthcare in Tshwane District Health Services

Abstract

Congestion at health facilities poses the risk of extensive spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) to patients at high risk for severe illness and death due to this infection. During the lockdown to control the spread of the virus, many patients with chronic conditions are not visiting health facilities and not collecting their chronic medication. To improve adherence to medication, home delivery of medication was instituted for patients with chronic diseases who had been receiving care at the Skinner Street Clinic in Tshwane. To support patients with chronic diseases who were unable to collect their medication, by remotely consulting (telehealth) and delivering their medication during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.