Chronic Medication in South Africa: The CCMDD Programme
The Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme allows stable chronic patients in the public health system to collect their medication from a local pick-up point such as a retail pharmacy, instead of having to queue at a public clinic. This saves time and improves access for patients with long-term conditions.
What is the CCMDD Programme?
CCMDD is a National Department of Health initiative that decentralises the dispensing of chronic medicines. Instead of collecting medication at a busy clinic or hospital, patients can collect pre-packaged medicine at a registered pick-up point (PUP) closer to their home or work.
The programme is free for qualifying patients. It was introduced to reduce waiting times at clinics, reduce transport costs for patients, and improve adherence to chronic treatment.
Which Conditions Are Covered?
- HIV (antiretroviral therapy - ART)
- Tuberculosis (TB) continuation phase
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Epilepsy
- Mental health conditions (stable patients on chronic psychiatric medication)
- Hypothyroidism
- Other stable chronic conditions as determined by the prescribing clinician
You must be stable on your medication to qualify. Your clinic will assess this. If your condition changes, you must go back to the clinic immediately.
How to Enrol in CCMDD
- Visit your public clinic or CHC as normal for your chronic condition appointment.
- Ask the nurse or doctor about enrolling in the CCMDD programme.
- The clinician will assess whether your condition is stable and suitable for the programme.
- You will be registered and given a script and a PIN code or barcode.
- Choose your preferred pick-up point from the list of registered pharmacies and outlets.
- Your medication will be prepared in advance. Collect it at the pick-up point on the scheduled date.
- Return to the clinic periodically (usually every 6-12 months) for a clinical review.
Pick-Up Points
Pick-up points are registered retail pharmacies and other outlets contracted by the Department of Health. These include major pharmacy chains, spaza shops, and community sites.
Ask your clinic which pick-up points are registered in your area, or check the CCMDD section of the Department of Health website at www.health.gov.za.
Never skip your clinical review appointment even if you are collecting medication at a pick-up point. The review is essential to check that your treatment is working and your dosage is still correct.
What Does the Programme Cover?
The CCMDD programme covers the cost of chronic medicines for qualifying public patients. There is no charge to the patient for medication collected through CCMDD.
The programme does not cover acute (short-term) medicines for new illnesses. For those, you must visit your clinic as normal.
Problems and Support
- If your medication is not ready at the pick-up point, contact your clinic.
- If you experience side effects, return to your clinic immediately.
- To report problems with the CCMDD programme: contact the Department of Health on 012 395 8000 or via www.health.gov.za.
- If you move, inform your clinic so your pick-up point can be updated.