Witrand Specialized Hospital’s pharmacy is recognized for achieving the best overall medicine availability in the North West Department of Health Pharmacy Month Recognition Awards.
The hospital pharmacy is awarded for its performance, which exceeded the 90% target, and a separate award was given for the best performing district in the province.
In the time of hospital inspections, Witrand Pharmacy department consistently scores above 95% in the 2nd quarter 2025/2026, making it a standout performer in the hospital. The recognition comes after months of diligent stock management, staff training, and collaboration with regional health authorities. Witrand’s pharmacy continues to set the standard for excellence in medicine supply and patient care.
During Pharmacy Month celebration, solidifying its reputation for excellence, Witrand pharmacy was recently awarded at the Branch Pharmacy Conference a trophy and certificate under the category for Overall Medicine Availability in the North West Department of Health.
According to the hospital spokesperson, Nico Masiu; their relentless drive for quality health services for all has set a benchmark for other facilities.
“Through their dedication and hard work, Witrand Specialised Hospital pharmacy team has long championed medicine availability across the province, ensuring that essential drugs are consistently in stock.
“This was made possible by teamwork, who work tirelessly to ensure that medicines are accessible to all patients, reinforcing the hospital’s mission of equitable healthcare,” said Masiu.
The trophy and certificate were received by the Witrand Specialized Hospital chief executive officer (CEO) M.E. Mpolokeng, during the pharmacy branch conference.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of every pharmacist and support staff at Witrand. It shows that when we unite for a common goal, which is reliable medicine for every patient, we achieve greatness.
“This recognition inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of quality healthcare for the people we serve,” Mpolokeng said.
Meanwhile, early this year, on the 14th February 2025, Minister of Health, Honourable Aron Motsoaledi announced the Six Month Multi-Month Dispensing (6MMD) programme. A game-changer for patients with chronic conditions! Instead of coming every moth for medication.
The Six Month Multi-Month Dispensing programme forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to:
- Improve treatment access
- Enhance patient retention in care
- Reduce the burden on healthcare facilities caused by long queues
- Minimise the frequency of clinic visits
“Just to share. This will drastically reduce congestion or influx at health service points. Let, alone relieve patients from long queues and long waiting time stresses at hospitals and clinics. Patients may consult in between only when they are sick instead of getting sick because of a facility influx.”
With the efficient management, distribution of medicine and a high % availability of medicine across the province. Based assessment, the North West Department is better positioned to provide adequate access to medication than the previous years.
Users can now receive a six-month supply of medication, reducing clinic visits to just two per year. This initiative aims to improve treatment access, enhance patient retention, and alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities.
The benefits are numerous – fewer clinic visits, less waiting time, and reduced stress. Patients can collect their medication and go about their daily lives without frequent hospital visits. Plus, with efficient medicine management and distribution, patients can trust that their medication will be available when they need it.
