Dis-Chem Pharmacies
reviews and complaints

I am a chronic patient and always received my meds from Clicks, but thought of trying Dis-Chem as they are new in our area just to see how their service might be. OMG what a mistake...I have to every month explain that I do not need the testing sticks for my Diabetes as I have more than enough, but still get my medical statement and find they are charging me for this even though I never received it. I feel they are extremely unprofessional especially in the Dispensary section and believe this is where you should be more professional as you are dispensing customers meds. I cannot wait for this 6month script to just finish so I can never make use of their service again

Alway been using huggies gold but recently bought a Jumbo and more than once the strap breaks off

F NICHOLSON, DISCOVERY #410100591
1. For a number of years I had an account with Dischem Direct for my chronic meds and those of my partner Felicity. I eventually gave up because of service and delivery issues, and transferred to Medipost.
2. They were no better, and in the meantime a branch of Dischem had opened at Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou so I thought it best to get our supplies through them.
3. I sent them the scripts on 17th March, to be ready for collection on 27th March.
4. Subsequently I received almost daily calls from a Pharmacist at Thavhani by the name of Thendo who was compiling the script for me.
5. The agreement was that I would collect the order on the 27th, and at the same time provide them with the original scripts and settle the co-payment.
6. Then she phoned to say that Dischem Direct said she must not even compile the script until I presented the script originals. I am 69 year old pensioner and Thavhani is a 40km round trip from where I live so I questioned the logic of this. Please see emails between Chantelle and me copied below. This attitude is why I originally cancelled my account with you.
7. As a result of the above, I had to spend OVER TWO HOURS at the dispensary at Thavhani to get our prescriptions prepared. (Part of the delay was confusion caused by the Humira payment that had gone through on the 18th.)
8. Perhaps your Dischem Direct staff are unaware of the realities of living with a colostomy. Having placed my stoma order on the 17th March, 8 days later I was notified, by them, that you no longer stock Convatec! What did they think I would do - stick a plastic bag over the stoma whilst trying to get them from elsewhere, or simply switch to another brand that I have probably tested in the past and found to be unsuitable? Whether ignorance or simply lack of concern, it is totally unacceptable.
9. The value of a client's business should not decide on the quality of the service they receive. That said, as a business perhaps you should take into account that I believe the value of my orders, including chronic meds for myself and partner, my Humira and stoma products, is in the region of R200, 000 per year. That is what Dischem Direct has lost, but what I hope Dischem Thavhani can retain. They, at least, show both willingness and concern.
Yours truly

Fiona Nicholson
EMAILS BETWEEN CHANTELLE AND SELF

Dis-Chem Direct STOMA
Thu, 25 Mar, 14:08 (4 days ago)

to Dis-Chem, me

Good day

Thank you for your e-mail.
Please note that the Dis-Chem store will require the original prescriptions, in order to load and dispense the schedule 5 medication. I am not sure if they will be able to prepare the orders in advance, without having received the prescriptions.
Since Dis-Chem Thavhani will be processing your chronic orders from now on, please contact them directly to place your orders and to arrange collection dates.

Dis-Chem Thavhani dispensary: 015 541 0032

P.S. The Dis-Chem store will only be able to assist with your chronic orders. They don't keep any stoma products on hand.
Please note that we (Dis-Chem Direct Courier) don't stock any Convatec stoma products anymore. Only Coloplast and Hollister.

Kind regards
Chantelle

Dis-Chem Direct Stoma
Chantelle de Beer
Lizelle Ryland

___________________________________
Branch: Direct Ext: 3927 & 3846 Telephone: 011 589 2788 or 086 111 0010 E-Mail: stoma@dischem.co.za Web: http://www.dischem.co.za

From: Fiona Nicholson [mailto:[protected]@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 24 March 2021 16:38
To: Dis-Chem Direct STOMA; Dis-Chem Thavhani Dispensary Admin
Subject: Re: Chronic Meds Order

No, Chantelle, I am not happy with this.
Yes, I will take the original scripts to DisChem Thavhani Mall this Saturday, and yes I will pay the co-payment upon collection.
However, I expect the order to be prepared and ready for collection - I will not wait. Furthermore, if even one of the medications is not available I expect to be warned well in advance.

Kindly respond promptly so that I can transfer my business elsewhere if necessary.

Regards,
Fiona

On Tue, 23 Mar 2021 at 15:50, Dis-Chem Direct STOMA wrote:
Good day

Thank you for your e-mail and enquiry. I apologise for the delay in response.
Kindly hand the original prescriptions in at Dis-Chem Thavhani Mall. They will require the original prescriptions, as it contains schedule 5 medication. They will also be able to process the claims/orders while you are in-store and if there is a co-payment, you will be able to pay in-store as well.

Kind regards
Chantelle

Dis-Chem Direct Stoma
Chantelle de Beer
Lizelle Ryland

I am so angry I bought reflections metallics hair silver grey dye and despite the bad reviews I still went to purchase the box dye thinking dischem is a reputable company I am sure they wont continue selling a hair dye that is not of good standard .I am so angry and frustrated by there false advertising. My hair came out orange and so horrible and I followed the instructions as listed step by step .not only is my hair damaged but its breaking off... I then had to spend so much to go to my hairdresser only for her to tell me I dont have any other option but to cut my hair off in order to save it.

I am a frequent (weekly)shopper at dischem and been to fewer dischems like centurion, menlyn, my favorite loftus park one woow the best.

Jubilee mall dischem is the worst, from the door security to pharmacy, today was my third visit the and its enough, pharmacists make you feel they doing a favour, cashiers at the tills they are a disgrace

TO AVOID ANXIETY - STAY AWAY FROM DIS-CHEM BLUE ROUTE

On Thursday, 21 January 2021, I approached Dis-Chem in Blue Route Mall hoping to acquire my medication as per my prescription.

I have 2 residences, I work in Sandton, thus normally collect my prescriptions at Dis-Chem, Benmore Gardens or Fourways Mall.
I am currently in Cape Town and usually use Dis-Chem, Blue Route Mall.

While at the Collection counter, I was initially informed by Mr. S. Mudd, who kindly tried to assist me, in a courteous manner, explaining that there were only 30 tablets available. [ Not 60, as prescribed].
After a very short period, I was then subsequently informed that my medication is not available at any Dis-chem stores in the entire Western Cape.

Sub-standard Service
I then requested to speak to the Manager.
I had previously complained about him in June 2020 as his telephonic manner of addressing was very disrespectful on that occasion.
He approached, and when questioned, bluntly nodded that there is No Tablets available at All the Dis-Chem stores in the Western Cape.
I then requested that they please check with other Dis-Chem branches, as I was prepared to collect it myself.
My request was met with a flat refusal.

Not only was it refused, but there was no offer to acquire it from any other Dis-Chem outlet, nationally.

Going Forward
I have a long history and relationship with Dis-Chem going back many years, and normally receive good service from them, especially Dis-Chem Stores in Johannesburg.

I sent an email To Dis-Chem Careline [Change the Name to WE DO NOT CARLINE]on the 27 January to advise as to whether it is worth my while continuing the relationship, or whether I should ustilise an alternative provider, as I am at present still without my prescribed monthly medication.
NO RESPONSE RECEIVED.

Given my history, I feel at the very least the counter staff should have improved their service offering by making an effort to acquire the medication for me.

Good afternoon

Iam so disappointed with Dischem right now... I just thought I would bring this to your attention as its heartbreaking to know such a big name store could provide such poor, selfish and inconsiderate service.

My daughter is 3 years old known epilepsy patient and has been on chronic medication since she was 1 years old..we always recieved her medication from Disckem Zevenwacht Mall Cape Town and was very impressed with great service that staff deserves to be praised.. however due to COVID and having to relocate to Gauteng I spoke to Dischem Zevenwacht and they suggested that once I get to Johannesburg to go into a nearby store and they would be able to pick up all my little ones information and will be able to continue with supplying me her medication..

However with a sad heart that was not happening... I approached Clearwater mall Roodepoort Dischem for assistance and they turned me away... I however asked the pharmacist to please make sure that they can order as I live down the road and its chronic so I will be collecting from them for the years ahead.she said she will speak to her manager and phone the Monday however that did not happen till Wednesday but I was not to concerned as I was being proactive and did not need the medication immediately and was hopeful they will pull through.. but she called to say they cant help I asked if she knew any other store she just said no.. not very helpful and very inconsiderate... I told her I dont know the area her assistance would be helpful but she was not willing to help..

Obviously being a stressed out mom now as my daughter needs her stuff I decided to go the next day to the mall and took a chance at Clicks around the corner and they assisted me in minutes and without any hassles I had my daughters medication..

My point is it's so sad that one recieved such poor service and little help from Dischem and right down the passage I recieved excellent assistance which is so concerning..

I really hope this gets brought up and taken further because iam not keeping quiet..

Very upset customer

I asked customer service to issue me a tax invoice. They were very impolite and made a mistake in the invoice. I had to go back again today get a correct invoice. The lady was giving me a hard time telling me its my fault she made the mistake. She made a fuss for 10minuites. After which she finally issued the invoice. Her unprofessional, condescending service was NOT appreciated.

I have been a dis-chem customer for as long as I can remember spending an average of over +/-R500 every month, so on the 19 January 2020, I had a bad experience one that I will remember for the rest of my life. On that particular day I had bought products of over R140, but one product (of dis-chem) fall in between my groceries of other shops (I was using a cart/trolley) and I did not notice that it had fallen there. After I finished with the payment, I went out of the store. I was on my way to my car when a dis-chem security came to me and went straight to my trolley and pull of a box of oblong tea and ask if I had paid for it. I then realized it was not with other dis-chem products and it was not on my receipt, so I went back with the security to dis-chem thinking I was going to pay for the tea which was R24. When I got there I was treated like a criminal and a thief. They were taking photos of me like they do shoplifters. And when spoke for my self they said I had an attitude and they called the police on me.

Dischem
Adress situated: Shop 23, Presedent Square Vaal Cnr Asct On Vaal, & Playfair Boulevard
Vanderbijlpark
*

In my life iv never met a person so unprofessional, so plain disgusting, and unmannerly who simply comes to your office for package delivery, first reeks of alcohol and cigarettes, then does not have the decency to greet u, he just pulls on the gate, so I opened the gate, as my boss was in a meeting and could not sign the package off herself, he then starts shouting because of the payment needed this is after he assured me that the slips said its already been paid for. Now here I am in the hallway of the office this huge man shouting and then starts getting aggravated pulls out the swipe Masjjien I decide to get my card and pay for the items as I can't have someone act like he did in front of clients. He then leaves, but returns 15min later because the package I originally paid for was the wrong package so I paid the wrong one.

Its unprofessional
Uncalled for
And not in the standard agreement dischem is supposed to carry out to clients

I'm honestly disappointed and frustrated with your service, I'm still waiting for my refund of which I was told that it will be paid back into my account within 24 hours and now it's been more than 48 hours already. When I call head office they referred me to the branch and vice vesa. I'm really angry and disappointed at the same time 😠😠

I called the store this morning and got put through to the call center, which I waited 27minutes before getting through finally someone answers and ask what I'm calling about I said I would like to make another appointment for my daughter's vaccine as we had to go today but due to circumstances I couldn't make it he asked my name etc. Asked me to hold the line after a while the line just went dead, so he must have hung up on me can't recall whom it was I spoke to but nevertheless if I give my details and the line drops they should call back as my all my details is on the screen what's the point of taking phone numbers if no one calls back! Which means I have to call and wait another 30minutes before I can make another appointment, really ruined my morning

I am utterly disappointed with your service. I placed an order online on the 4th of January, it was free delivery because the other was over R450. It said it was going to be delivered within 3-6 days. I have still not received my order. This delivery was for my parents who tested positive and are in need of their vitamins and medication. This is absolutely pathetic service.

I almost died at Dischem Wonderpark. The pathetic service I got from the 2 staff yesterday, was horrendous!

I was assisted by other customers. The staff didn't even care that I was in extreme pain and the enormous pain, I was in, my eyes were swollen and blood red even the security guard by the door made me jump the line but the dischem staff were unpleasant especially the short coloured lady who was at dispensary and the black lady who was packing medication. I will never forgot their faces.

I asked her if I could be assisted without standing in the very long queue as I was in extreme pain, she just said to me "I can't help you, go to the queue".

But then again, Dischem Wonderpark is known for such services!

As of the (2020/01/05) Dischem no longer stocks the Johnny's chop shop products in store.

I looked everywhere and even drove to multiple Dischem, stores which all showed the same result.
The products were of good quality, they were reasonably priced, and had good reviews.
Which begs the question...

Why are these products not being stocked anymore?
Why didn't Dischem warn their customers that they would no longer be stocking these products?

When checking my slip at home, I see I have been charged normal price of R129.95 each. This is not the first time this has happened and I really am reconsidering doing my medical and monthly purchases elsewhere. Try phoning and in the end you are driven mad being told how important your call is to Dischem, then I have to listen to ads or other facts I am NOT interested in while I importantly wait for assistance. THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH ! If this problem is not resolved, and soon, I will stop buying at Dischem.

Original slip
shop 62 cash sale
southcoast mall c1131592
izotsha road, 2021/01/04
shelley beach
south coast
tax invoice vat reg. no. [protected]
cashier: (125889) T. Ramkhelwan
till no.: 0001

Mr. D J van Heerden - Tel.: [protected]

26 December and only two pharmacists on duty. 12 customers in queue... not good enough.

Dear dischem

I am highly disappointed at the price jump from The beginning of November to the 20th December. That the tell has a nerve to tell me it was Black Friday yet I have been speaking a about the price of your nappies all year round .

I have phoned the Mall of Africa four times in an attempt to reach the dispensary and each time was cut off by the operator. An email I sent was returned as undeliverable.

I am trying to have a repeat script made up and do not want to stand and queue in the store as I am high risk for Covid. Age and comorbidities.

This is totally unacceptable and I am going to log onto Hellopeter next.

Dischem Mossel Bay
Shop 11 & 12 Mosselbaai Mall
Western Cape
Date : 19/12/2020
Time : 17:02
Cashier : J. SMITH
Till No. : 0004

I went to Dischem to purchase medication I was in need of. I got to the till point and greeted the lady. Firstly she responded as if she wasn't even interested nor in the mood. Nevertheless she asked if I have the loyalty card or Dischem card. I said my Mom has it but she's outside it's fine she can ring the items.

She went on and rang the items. I then asked her how much was Centrum C as I could not see it on her system. She called her Supervisor saying she won't be able to see it on the system. I then asked the lady to quickly check for me. She then told me the price. By now I could see the Cashier's facial expression isn't pleasant as she just putted the item on the table with her back facing me, for me to pack my item back. Ok fine, I did.

I remain calm still. My change was R7.60 because I paid cash and not with my card. She was now busy talking to the Supervisor again. And I assume she needed change from her because she didn't inform me about anything, I was just standing there.

She then gave me R1 rands and just 10 cents of which made R7.60 I asked the Supervisor doesn't she have better coins. J. SMITH mubble something in her own language and looked pissed.

I then asked the Supervisor what is she saying, is she talking to me? J. SMITH reply with a very ugly and disgusted look and being loud that "I'm not talking to you"

By now I could see that the lady really has a problem with my presence at that shop of which she needed to address to her Superior. I then asked the Supervisor to please call Management as I will not tolerate this kind behavior and disrespect.

Firstly I had the right to ask how much is the item before purchasing it and secondly I have every right not to want too much R1 coins. She wasn't doing any favors for me that was my money. I would've gone to a different Pharmacy but I choose to purchase the items at Dischem.

We all have problems and I wouldn't take my problems out of people I don't know or customers. She needs to leave her problems at home. After the disrespect she gave me even infront of Management. I really felt like returning the items and asked for my money back because she continued giving me an ugly look when Management was talking to her. It was clear that she didn't see anything wrong with her behavior neither care about her Superiors because she even called me a liar when I was informing management of what occurred. I then asked them to check their cameras and check her body language.

Tomorrow I'm returning the items back. I would rather stick to Clicks where Cashiers are friendly and respectful. I will not recommend anyone to buy at Dischem. Management apologized and she just walked away.