On World Diabetes Day (14 November), members of the Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA) will be offering free diabetes screenings combined with a referral and follow-up service to optimise health outcomes.
“Last year our pharmacies screened almost 50 000 patients, collecting extremely valuable data and in the process, helped many people who were not aware of their condition. Overall, our findings confirmed that diabetes is a serious health priority which requires urgent action,” says Jackie Maimin, ICPA’s CEO. “As professionals at the coalface, we’re happy to play a role in identifying high risk patients and advising or referring these patients.”
One of every three patients screened tested as high risk, with nearly 18% of the tested patients referred to their doctor for further assessment. “Unfortunately we have no idea whether these patients visited their doctor or not and what the outcome was,” says Jackie.
This year, participating ICPA pharmacies will ensure that there is follow-through on high risk patients, whether that’s seeing a doctor or receiving guidelines to make lifestyle changes. “We will be working closely with fellow healthcare professionals to ensure better patient outcomes.”
As the largest pharmacy network in South Africa, ICPA pharmacies are in an ideal position to deliver effective results. The combination of the ICPA’s national footprint and clinic services offered makes a national diabetes screening of this nature possible. “By improving the diabetes campaign’s follow up process, independent community pharmacies can help to reduce the huge cost burden on national healthcare,” adds Jackie.
The software used by ICPA to capture screenings and patient follow up data is recognised internationally and purpose-built, providing valuable scientific results for both industry and government use.
Members of the public can enjoy a free diabetes screening on Thursday, 14 November. Visit www.icpa.co.za for details of participating pharmacies.
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NOTES TO THE EDITOR
• ICPA is an NPC which represents over 1 100 independent community pharmacies throughout South Africa, with membership consisting of one the largest pool of professional pharmaceutical services in the healthcare sector, reaching both urban and rural South Africa.
• Roche Products (Pty) Ltd (Diabetes Care) is a pioneer in the development of blood glucose monitoring systems and a global leader for diabetes management systems and services. For over 35 years, the Accu-Chek brand has helped patients with diabetes to live life as normal and active as possible and empower healthcare professionals to manage their patients’ condition in an optimal way. For more information please visit www.accu-chek.co.za
• The National Department of Health has identified diabetes (together with cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases) as the main non- communicable diseases that should be prioritised as conditions of high burden. See www.doh.gov.za.
Issued by:
Sherpa Business Communications
Media enquiries: Amelia de Milander at 021 912 4071, 083 509 1801 or amelia@sherpa.co.za
Content supported by Roche Products (Pty) Ltd, Diabetes Care division and the National Department of Health
More Info link:: http://www.icpa.co.za
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Author: Amelia de Milander from Sherpa. Originally distributed by MyPR.co.za.
