IT WOULD BE FUNNY IF IT WASN’T TRAGIC

This month Pharmacy Direct decided to deliver my chronic medication to another one of their clients in East London, 400 Kms away. The incredible thing is that, yesterday [29 February 2024], I received a third call from Pharmacy Direct’s courier [DSV] in Bloemfontein to confirm my address. I was told that my parcel was in Bloemfontein and that it would be delivered today [Thursday 29 February].

Here’s the long story.

I spend my time between two homes 426 kms apart and Pharmacy Direct are aware of this. By mutual arrangement whenever I get a notification from Bonitas that Pharmacy Direct have submitted a claim for my chronic medication, I send an email to Cassandra Fredericks and Sharlotte Malele (Fund Account Managers at Pharmacy Direct) indicating the delivery address.

In January 2024, despite my informing them, they attempted to deliver to the incorrect address. I received the usual apology and was told that the address had been “updated on their system”.

This month [February 2024], even though I am at the same address, I sent Pharmacy Direct an email confirming my address. On 16 February 2024, Pharmacy Direct’s couriers tried, once again, to deliver to the wrong address. Since that date, I have corresponded with Cassandra Fredericks and have been called by Pharmacy Direct’s couriers [DSV] three times including yesterday’s call when I confirmed, once again, my address. Despite all of this, this morning I got a call from another unfortunate Pharmacy Direct client, 400 Kms from me, asking me whether I have her mother’s medication because they have mine. This morning [29 February 2024], at 07h03, I received the following SMS text: Your parcel PD*******024 from Pharmacy Direct is out for delivery and will arrive before 5:00 PM by DSV courier. Track [URL removed] The tracking results on DSV’s site indicate: “Estimated delivery: 28 February 2024 [yesterday] by 14:30” Unfortunately, if I do not use Pharmacy Direct, Bonitas charges me a huge co-payment on my chronic medication each month.

Pharmacy Direct is entrusted with delivering chronic medication to individuals! As I stated, it would be funny if it wasn’t tragic.