The 3rd National Pharmacy Conference is upon us, so are the 2019 National Pioneer Pharmacy Awards. The Presidential Health Summit Compact was signed in July 2019. But most importantly, universal healthcare is upon us – the NHI Bill has been introduced to Parliament and there is no turning back. The Registrar, Mr Amos Masango, takes stock of all these events and what they mean for Pharmacy.
Mr Mogologolo Phasha took over the reins as President of Council when the new Council met in February this year. The Council has wasted no time in settling into their new roles, and President Phasha gives a brief overview of the uppermost issues the new Council plans to address during their term of office.
The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed and decisions taken by the South African Pharmacy Council (‘Council’) during its meetings held on 10/11 October 2018, 14 February and 14/15 May 2019. Other important issues are dealt with as separate articles in this edition of e-Pharmaciae.
Do you have Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)? Then make sure you are registered for the 3rd National Pharmacy Conference taking place from 3 to 5 October 2019 at Sun City. This is the conference to attend if you are passionate about pharmacy.
The 3rd National Pharmacy Conference boasts various opportunities for businesses to showcase themselves, from exhibition stands to sponsorship packages, this is a unique chance to engage with the pharmacy industry.
The 4th Industrial Revolution is upon us. Pharmacy, along with all other healthcare professions, needs to embrace the technological advancements being made in order to ensure the best possible patient care. We take a quick look at Pharmacy in the 4th Industrial Revolution and what can be expected.
The Honourable Minister of Health published the Regulations relating to Continuing Professional Development (“the Regulations”) for implementation in terms of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1975, as per Government Gazette No. 42464. Continuing professional development does not become immediately due for all registered persons, a phased implementation will be announced.
The South African Pharmacy Council for the term 2018 – 2023 has been announced. We take this opportunity to introduce you to those who are representing you on Council for the next five years.
The Committee of Formal Inquiry investigates alleged misconduct by pharmacy professionals and premises owners, and institute various penalties on those found guilty – these can range from a fine, suspension from practice, or complete deregistration and institutes various penalties.
The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) reminds professionals that all 2019 annual fees are now overdue. The last due date for 2019 fees was 1 July 2019. Failure to pay annual fees may result in deregistration.
The South African Pharmacy Council in partnership with the National Department of Health, Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa and Independent Community Pharmacists Association is excited to announce that the theme for Pharmacy Month 2019 is “Mental illness can be treated – Ask your pharmacist for advice”.
Pharmacy professionals across the country often get presented with ineligible prescriptions, as a direct result of this, patient care and service delivery are negatively impacted. But the results could be dire. Nhlanhla Mafarafara takes stock of the risks of attempting to decipher an ineligible handwriting through social media.
Unit dose dispensing presents various benefits for the patient and the pharmacist when employed correctly. Amongst other benefits, it eliminates medication errors, thus improving the efficacy of the therapy administered to the patient.
In a digital age, with private information being stored electronically, it is important to ensure that your information remains safe. Update your details and password on the SAPC website now and ensure your profile’s security.
Legislation is continually changing and being updated. The South African Pharmacy Council endeavours to include all legislative changes and additions relating to the pharmacy industry in each edition of the ePharmaciae. This edition looks at the legislation published from October 2018 to July 2019.
In the interest of protecting the image of the pharmacy profession, the South African Pharmacy Council is taking action against pharmacies who fail to meet the standards outlined in the Rules relating to Good Pharmacy Practice, with pharmacists being removed from the register and recommendations being made to the Director-General: Department of Health to withdraw pharmacy licenses. Are you compliant?
The South African Pharmacy Council staff compliment has grown quite a bit in the past six months, with a new business unit being introduced in the Professional Affairs Department and a full cleaning staff being in-sourced to save on outsourcing costs, as well as several other critical roles being filled. We are very excited to welcome all these new faces to our family and we are sure they will strive to provide the best possible service to the pharmacy profession on behalf of Council.
The first half of 2019 provided several opportunities for the South African Pharmacy Council to meet-up with the profession to provide updates on the work of Council and resolve service queries from registered persons. We are grateful to have been invited to five industry-organised conferences to interact with delegates.
Following feedback from the profession, in July 2017 Council resolved to review the reference materials required in pharmacy premises in terms of the Rules relating to Good Pharmacy Practice. To this end, the SAPC conducted an online survey during October and November 2018, the results of which will be considered in conjunction with international benchmarking to assist the Practice Committee of Council to decide on a way forward.
With the aim of protecting the good image of Pharmacy while protecting the public, the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) is currently reviewing the inspection and pharmacy grading processes. This involves the review of the inspection questionnaire, development of an inspection app, and upskilling responsible pharmacists in this process in order to improve compliance. This process will occur simultaneously with the deregistration of repeated GPP non-compliant pharmacies.
