TERRENA RATHANLALL
In South Africa’s rural areas, accessing quality healthcare remains a significant challenge. For many residents, long distances to clinics, language barriers, and high costs often mean health services are out of reach. However, community pharmacies like Merithitho Community Pharmacy, based in Taung, North West, are helping bridge this gap, providing essential services that are accessible and affordable.
A lifeline for the community
Owned by pharmacist Anna Kgosieng, 58, Merithitho has been at the heart of Taung's healthcare since 2013. Situated in a rural region surrounded by 106 villages, Anna’s pharmacy offers a wide range of services including dispensing of medication, baby immunisation, vaccination of adults, and primary healthcare clinic services.
“I started this pharmacy because I saw a need in our community,” says Anna. “Before Merithitho, the closest medical centre was 30 kilometres away, and the language barrier was a real issue. People couldn’t even communicate their symptoms effectively.”
This gap is echoed in statistics: nearly 50% of South Africa’s population resides in rural areas, but only 20% of doctors practice there. This disparity makes community pharmacies critical for providing healthcare in underserved regions like Taung, where residents rely on local health professionals to meet their medical needs.
Breaking barriers with language and trust
One of the key factors contributing to Merithitho’s success is its connection to the community.
“We speak the local language, Tswana, which is spoken by 99% of the people here,” Anna explains.
This ability to communicate clearly in the local dialect has been pivotal in building trust with the community, ensuring that patients feel comfortable sharing their health concerns.
“People here trust us because we speak their language, and they can express themselves fully,” says Anna. “Our customers know we will listen, and if we can’t help them, we’ll refer them to someone who can.”
Challenges of running a rural pharmacy
Running a pharmacy in a rural area comes with its own set of challenges. Anna remembers the financial hardships she faced early on. “In 2013, I secured a store in a mall even though the business wasn’t trading yet. I paid rent for months before we could even open. It took me two years to recover financially.”
Rural business owners often face added hurdles when dealing with suppliers and creditors. “Many suppliers didn’t trust that a pharmacy in a rural area could succeed,” Anna explains. “It’s a challenge proving that businesses like mine are sustainable.”
This is not a unique experience. Studies show that rural areas face disproportionate barriers to economic development, with rural healthcare providers struggling to secure financial backing. Despite these challenges, Anna persevered, using her business acumen and passion for healthcare to build a thriving pharmacy.
Expanding access: Anna’s vision for the future
Anna’s vision extends beyond her brick-and-mortar pharmacy. She plans to launch a mobile clinic to reach even more people in the surrounding villages.
“There are so many people who can’t travel to my pharmacy for basic health tests, medication, and treatment,” Anna says. “A mobile clinic will allow us to take healthcare to those who need it the most.”
The cost of the mobile clinic is estimated at R1.2 million, but Anna is determined to make it happen. “I want to educate people about medicine and healthcare in their own homes. I want people to know why it is important to take care of themselves.”
This goal aligns with the national healthcare objectives, where bringing healthcare services closer to rural populations is seen as a critical step in addressing the inequality in health service provision between rural and urban areas.
A resilient entrepreneur
Anna’s journey as a business owner is a testament to resilience. Having been part of the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, she credits the programme with giving her the skills and confidence to grow her business.
“I learned the basics - how to recruit staff, manage finances, and market my business. But the most important thing was working on myself and my mindset. When you are resilient, you can build a resilient business,” she says.
Today, Merithitho has eight employees and is an essential part of the Taung community. For Anna, the most fulfilling aspect of running her pharmacy is knowing she is making a difference.
“Even if I couldn’t make money from it, I would still be involved in healthcare. It’s my calling,” she says.
Daily News