Pharmacy a tonic for offenders

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - The opening of a pharmacy on the premises of George Correctional Centre will make a huge impact on the quality of health for offenders. So said Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa during his visit to attend the opening last Friday, 28 May.

Ministerial delegates from Pretoria and representatives in George, including District Mayor Memory Booysen, were present and enjoyed a walkabout on the premises.

According to Holomisa the inmate population in the Southern Cape is around 3 200.

"Statistical data shows a rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases in the management area, a clear indication of a need for a pharmacy to render and support qualitative pharmaceutical services to correctional centres," he said.

Photo gallery: Pharmacy opened on premises of George Correctional Centre

"Prior to the establishment of the Southern Cape Pharmacy, centres under the management area were dependent on the Brandvlei Centre Pharmacy in the Cape Winelands. This was at great cost and risk. We are happy that no longer will officials be exposed to such risks, while the department will also be able to realise savings in this regard."

District Mayor Memory Booysen in a Covid-19 isolation area during a walkabout on the premises.

He said the official opening of the Southern Cape Pharmacy in the George Correctional Centre and the "Kuyasa" Combined Learning Centre in Oudtshoorn are living proof that self-sufficiency and sustainability are possible.

"These two projects saved the state more than a million rand in costs. We have to make things happen with what we have and we can do it," said Holomisa.