Category Archives: e-Pharmaciae Vol 5 No 2

Message from the Registrar

The year is fast approaching the end, yet there is still a lot to be done, the inauguration of the new Council being one. As we are gearing for the festivities, let us engage our colleagues to move away from unethical practices that not only compromise the lives of our patients but also stand to tarnish the image of the pharmacy profession and erode public trust in us as healthcare professionals.

Council Decisions (July 2018)

The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed and decisions taken by the South African Pharmacy Council (‘Council’) during its meeting held on 11 and 12 July 2018.

Other important issues are dealt with as separate articles in this or future editions of e-Pharmaciae.

Codeine abuse

As highlighted by the eNCA programme Checkpoint as well as MNet’s Carte Blanche recently, there is a growing trend amongst the youth whereby Schedule 2 codeine containing cough mixtures are mixed with cold drinks and consumed for recreational purposes. This disturbing habit is wreaking havoc in communities, schools and families where young people find themselves addicted to codeine containing medicines.

Council to launch new, device-responsive website

Technology has advanced notably since the current South African Pharmacy Council website was developed. The realisation that some of our stakeholder’s attempts to reach us through their phones and tablets were not successful informed the decision to develop a device-responsive information portal.

SAPC intervenes in community during Nelson Mandela Day

2018 Proclaims the Centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. In honour of his legacy the South African Pharmacy Council celebrated his prestigious existence by being part of the change. The spirit of Nelson Mandela Day encourages our intervention in challenges that affect communities.

Pharmacists gearing to play a pivotal role in NHI

Pharmacies and pharmacy clinics are often the first port of call for people needing medical assistance, and the pharmacy profession is currently examining the role pharmacy will play in the government’s proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) plan. Author: Jackie Maimin

Review of Grading Methodology

Since 2009 all inspections conducted by Council have resulted in pharmacies receiving a grading. This grading has been worked out on a scoring matrix which has remained relatively untouched since inception.

The time has come to review the way inspection grading is calculated.

2019 Fees payable to Council

The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) reminds the profession of the newly published schedule of 2019 Fees payable to Council. For the registration of professionals, students, assessors, as well as establishments to be effective from 1 January 2019, the 2019 fees as scheduled should be paid by the indicated due dates. Paying 2018 fees for 2019 would result in the registration lapsing.

Committee of Formal Inquiry metes out sentences to pharmacists found guilty of unprofessional conduct

The Committee of Formal Inquiry investigates alleged misconduct by pharmacy professionals and facility owners, and institute various penalties on those found guilty – these can range from a fine, suspension from practice, or complete deregistration.

Industry conferences provide Council platform to interact with stakeholders

The second half of 2018 provided more opportunities for the South African Pharmacy Council to meet with the profession and provide updates on the work of Council and to resolve service queries from registered persons. We are grateful to have been invited to five industry-organised conferences to interact with delegates.

Completion of internship and CPD

New entrants into the pharmacy profession are introduced to the concept of continuing professional development (CPD) in their internship year. Adherence to CPD guidelines ensures that professionals always keep abreast with new developments in the profession and acquire new skill sets to better serve patients, an important requirement for staying relevant and competent as the profession evolves.

Update on training of Pharmacy Support Personnel

The life of the current qualification for pharmacist’s assistant in the category basic ended on 30 June 2018 and the last enrolment date with approved providers is 30 June 2019. In October 2018 Council resolved that the last enrolment date for the pharmacist’s assistant qualifications in the category post-basic be extended to 30 June 2020. This means that the teach-out period for the qualification for basic pharmacist’s assistants ends on 30 June 2022 and for post-basic pharmacist’s assistants will end on 30 June 2023.

Understanding the in-service training requirements for pharmacist’s assistants

The work-based learning component of the various pharmacy support personnel training programmes, in the form of an in-service training programme, is an integral element in ensuring that learners acquire the requisite competencies to effectively render a support service to pharmacists across all sectors of pharmacy. It is, therefore, imperative that when this is undertaken, it is done so in accordance with legislative requirements as any deviation may impact negatively on the learning experiences of the learner as well as the learners’ ability to acquire the required competencies.

Use Medicines Wisely – Pharmacy Month Feedback

September 2018 marked the second celebration of Pharmacy Month in South Africa.

The theme for this year’s Pharmacy Month was Use Medicines Wisely.

Together with the National Department of Health and the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa, the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) went all out in promoting this campaign.

Appointments, Promotions and Resignations

The past few months have seen a few of our trusted colleagues leave the employ of the South African Pharmacy Council in the pursuit of new challenges and greener pastures elsewhere.

Several talented individuals have also been appointed to enable us to continue the work towards achieving our strategic objectives and the vision to ensure all people within the borders of our country receive quality pharmaceutical services at all times.

Survey for reference sources that must be accessible in a pharmacy

The Office of the Registrar released a survey on reference materials required in each category of pharmacy. This was in response to the Council decision made in July 2017 to update the required reference materials published in the Rules relating to good pharmacy practice (GPP).

List of Approved Providers and Courses

This list was published on: 03 Dec 2018
* This is the latest version of this list.

List of Registered Assessors

This list was published on: 03 Dec 2018
* This is the latest version of this list.