Dear Editor,
For the past ten years I have known of persons in receipt of medication for diabetic conditions and other ailments, viz high blood pressure, glaucoma, etc. Ten years ago the numbers of persons receiving medication from the NIS were not so large and so the waiting period for the receipt of drugs was bearable, sometimes from 8 am-10 am or 8 am-12 noon.
Now it is chaotic and one has to wait for one’s medication from 8 am until 4.30 pm or even longer.
The system of distribution has reached crisis proportions, and in spite of a suggestion box and complaints to the Public Relations Department of NIS, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, and pensioners are thoroughly fed up and stressed out.
I know Mr Patrick Martinborough fairly well and he was always a General Manager who dealt with matters affecting pensioners expeditiously. He is retired now, and the pensioners are left in the mire of inefficiency.
My humble suggestions are:-
1. Pensioners, etc, on approaching the NIS gate on medication day (Tuesday or Friday) should be provided with a number in order of their arrival by the security personnel on duty and not in the waiting area after they are seated.
2. On being approached by the pharmacist the pensioners should surrender their numbers to him/her in order.
3. Additional staff I am sure can be mustered to prepare these supplies (in quantities, etc) a day or so before drug distribution day, ie on a Monday for Tuesday distribution and on a Thursday for Friday distribution. It has been observed that the pharmacist is a caring and straight-laced lady who would be the best person to advise on the preparation for distribution.
On Tuesday November 4, 2008, I witnessed a mad rush for the waiting area which was reminiscent of cinema patrons rushing and pushing to get their ticket first to enter the cinema. What a terrible shame! It must be remembered that pensioners and other recipients of drugs should be treated with the utmost assistance, respect and consideration by the NIS staff.
Yours faithfully,
James Elliot Holder
