Pharmacists have a vital role to play in a vibrant, sustainable, equitable and accessible healthcare system in South Africa in line with health minister, Aaron Motsoaledi's vision of a health service delivery model that promotes cost-effective primary healthcare as close to the community and households as possible.
“The public doesn’t always recognise the important primary healthcare role that pharmacists play,” he says. “Yet pharmacists are often the first port of call for people seeking advice on their health. That is why it is imperative that pharmacists have a meaningful, and recognised role to play in any plans for national health coverage, says registrar/CEO of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), Amos Masango.
The president of the SAPC, Professor Mano Chetty, agrees. “Pharmacists plays an active and effective role in the supply of medicines and pharmaceutical care to all communities in South Africa. At our conference this month we will be clearly differentiating our profession from other healthcare professions as the most suitably trained custodians of pharmaceuticals.”
The future of pharmacy will be in the spotlight at the 2nd National Pharmacy Conference, to be held from 21 to 24 October 2016, at the Durban International Conference Centre.
Masango says. “At the 2013 conference I saw the passion and dedication of those involved in our industry. I am really looking forward to having the chance once again to see that passion turned into action and commitment for a healthier future for all of our people,”
Shaping the future of the South African pharmacy profession includes recognising outstanding achievements by those who provide sterling examples of best practice and the level of care they provide to their communities. A highlight of the conference will thus be the awards given by the SAPC will once again be giving awards to honour pharmacists, pharmacy support personnel and pharmacy facilities in various categories for pharmacy excellence.
