CAPE TOWN – After more than six decades of serving the Northern Suburbs community, the iconic M-KEM 24 Hour Pharmacy in Bellville is embarking on an exciting new chapter as UniCare 24/7 Trusted Health, while maintaining its commitment to providing uninterrupted health-care services to local families.
The transition, announced by founder Hylton Mallach, comes as part of M-KEM’s partnership with Clicks Holdings, established in 2023. For Bellville residents who have relied on the pharmacy’s round-the-clock services for generations the change represents continuity rather than disruption.
“When I first opened the doors of M-KEM in 1964 my dream was simple, to create a pharmacy that puts people first,” reflected Mallach, whose vision has served countless Northern Suburbs families through medical emergencies, late-night needs and everyday health-care requirements. He no longer serves as the owner of M-KEM as the Clicks Group has been the owner since 2023.
The pharmacy made history in the Western Cape when it pioneered 24-hour pharmaceutical services. “In 1999 M-KEM became one of the first pharmacies in South Africa to be open 24 hours a day, ensuring care was always available, day or night,” Mallach noted, a service that has become essential for Bellville and surrounding communities.
Community cornerstone remains unchanged
For loyal customers concerned about changes to their trusted healthcare provider, Mallach offered reassurance: “What does this mean for me as a customer? The answer is simple: everything you love about M-KEM stays exactly the same.”
The familiar faces behind the counter, the specialised clinics and the gold-standard service that has made M-KEM a community institution will continue unabated. The pharmacy’s location in Bellville remains the same as is the round-the-clock availability that has made it a lifeline for emergency medications and urgent healthcare needs continues without interruption.
“Today I am honoured to share some exciting news about our future. In 2023, M-KEM proudly became part of Clicks Holdings, and with this partnership comes the opportunity to take the very best of M-KEM and expand it further than ever before,” Mallach explained.
A Bellville success story goes national
The rebranding to UniCare 24/7 Trusted Health represents more than just a name change; it signals the recognition of a uniquely successful community pharmacy model that is now set to benefit other South African communities.
The M-KEM approach, characterised by treating health care as personal rather than transactional, has proven so successful in Bellville that it will now serve as the template for a new network of community-focused pharmacies nationwide.
“This transition is not an ending,” Mallach emphasised, “but the continuation of a legacy, one that I am personally proud to endorse.”
Looking ahead while honouring the past
As Bellville prepares to welcome the UniCare era the community can take pride in knowing its local pharmacy is the gold standard for community health care in South Africa. The model of care developed in the Northern Suburbs will now extend its reach to help other communities across the country.
“So today, I warmly welcome you to the future: UniCare 24/7 Trusted Health,” concluded Mallach.
For Bellville residents the message is clear: while the name above the door may change the community-centred care that has defined M-KEM for 60 years continues stronger than ever under the UniCare banner.
The pharmacy continues to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at its familiar Bellville location, ensuring the Northern Suburbs community never goes without essential health-care services.
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