ROLE OF PHARMACISTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

As in most countries, the practice of a profession in South Africa requires evidence of an appropriate level of education and practical experience. The recognition of qualifications in most health-related professions is the responsibility of a registration authority established by government statute. To be able to work as a pharmacist in South Africa, registration with the South African Pharmacy Council is needed. The practice of pharmacy by unregistered persons is punishable by law.

Pharmacists in South Africa are expected to:

1.      organise the manufacturing, compounding and packaging of pharmaceutical products;

2.      organise the procurement, storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products;

3.      dispense and ensure the optimum use of medicine prescribed to the patient;

4.      provide pharmacist initiated care to the patient and ensure the optimum use of medicine;

5.      provide education and information on health care and medicine;

6.      promote community health and provide related information and advice;

7.      participate in research to ensure the optimal use of medicine.

8.      Most pharmacists practise in community pharmacies and in hospital pharmacies in the public and private sector. A smaller number of pharmacists work in manufacturing pharmacies, wholesale pharmacies, academic and government institutions or the armed services.

 

Community and hospital pharmacists have a wide range of responsibilities. These include:

(1) the provision of pharmaceutical care by taking responsibility for the patient's medicine related needs and being accountable for meeting these needs, which include the following functions:

(a) evaluation of a patient's medicine related needs by determining the indication, safety and effectiveness of the therapy;

(b) dispensing of any medicine or scheduled substance on the prescription of an authorised prescriber;

(c) furnishing information and advice to any person with regard to medicine;

(d) determining patient compliance with the therapy and follow up to ensure that the patient's needs are being met; and

(e) provision of pharmacist initiated therapy;

(2) compounding, manipulation or preparation of medicines and scheduled substances;

(3) purchasing, acquiring, keeping, possessing, using, supplying or selling of medicine or scheduled substance;

(4) applications for the registration of medicines or medical devices;

(5) re-packaging of medicine;

(6) promotion of public health in accordance with guidelines and standards including:

(a) the provision of information and education regarding the promotion of human health;

(b) the provision of immunisation, mother and childcare, blood pressure monitoring; health education; blood-glucose monitoring; screening tests for pregnancy; family planning; cholesterol screening tests; HIV screening tests; urine analysis; and visiometric and audiometric screening tests;

(c) the provision of animal health care services including:

(i) the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions written by veterinarians and ensuring the optimal use of veterinary medicines;

(ii) the immunisation of animals;

(iii) the handling of minor and/or self-limiting ailments in animals; and

(iv) the provision of information and education regarding the promotion of animal health.

(7) conducting of pharmaceutical research and development;

(8) provision of primary care drug therapy with prior authorisation from council; and

(9) any other health service as may be approved by council from time to time.

Pharmacists in manufacturing pharmacies are involved in:

(1) manufacturing of medicine and scheduled substances;

(2) purchasing, acquiring, keeping, possessing, using, supplying or selling of any medicine or scheduled substance;

(3) furnishing of information and advice to any person with regard to medicine manufactured;

(4) applications for the registration of medicines or medical devices;

(5) formulation of medicine for the purposes of registration as a medicine;

(6) distribution of medicine or scheduled substances;

(7) repackaging of medicine in accordance with the Medicines Act;

(8) initiation and conducting of pharmaceutical research and development; and

(9) any other health service as may be approved by council from time to time.

 

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STUDY PERMIT TO SOUTH AFRICA

HERE IS THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW TO GET A STUDY PERMIT TO STUDY IN ANY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Well, if you are looking forward to pursue any degree in South Africa, here is the process.  There are few simple steps that look very complicated to follow and get a study permit; here i made it look even simpler. Here we go,

 STEP NO.1    à  GET AN ADMISSION

 This will be your first step; you must get an admission into your desired educational institution. For that, you will have to enquire about top universities in South Africa and choose the one that meets your requirements (your financial ability, academic performance etc.)

STEP NO.2    à APPLY (INSTITUTION)

You can either apply online or by courier. You cannot get a study permit without getting an admission first. Once, you get an acceptance letter from the institution that you applied that means you are half way through.

STEP NO.3    à APPLY (STUDY PERMIT)

 Now you need to get a form to fill up, a form that is called (BI-1738) for a study permit. This form à http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/PDF/immigration/bi1738.pdf

Fill this form up and submit it along with all the additionally required documents. You can find a check list in the official home affairs website.

                

          Make sure that you attached the following documents.

• Your passport, it must be valid for at least 30 days exceeding the application period.
• The applicable permit fee (either cash or bank-guaranteed cheque).you can find the fee prices in the home affairs website.
• You need to show a Proof that you are financially able to pay your tuition fees and have adequate means of support. You will need to submit three months’ worth of bank statements (your parents, caretaker, guardian, sponsorer etc.)
• Proof of medical or health insurance cover that is registered or recognized in South Africa.
• A repatriation guarantee. Unless a South African sponsoring body, citizen, or permanent resident provides a written undertaking to support you, you will need to lodge a cash deposit equivalent to the value of a return ticket. And, in the case of African students, proof that your country has signed a written undertaking to pay costs for deportation should it become necessary. ??? But if your course is less than a year, or you will be attending a religious institution, you will be exempt from this requirement, and need only possess a valid return/onward ticket.
• A medical certificate and a radiological report (chest X-ray) or skin TB test is required.
• If you a minor – that is, under 18 – you will need written permission from both parents and sole custody parent, along with proof of sole custody.
• If you are a minor, particulars of the person in South Africa who will act as your guardian and a letter of confirmation from the intended guardian.
• An official conformational letter from the institution in South Africa confirming your acceptance and details of the duration of the course.
• If you are older than 18, a police clearance certificate.

Once you are done with collecting all the documents, submit them in your nearest SOUTH AFRICAN embassy as soon as possible, and wait for the process to finish. That’s it you have done your part.

IMPORTANT:  remember that getting an acceptance letter from your desired institution doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be guaranteed with a study permit.  There are many cases of number of students who couldn’t get a study permit even after getting accepted by the institutions. So, please keep it in mind that, more errors you make – more is the possibility of getting rejected.

TIME PERIOD:

It usually takes like 6 weeks or more to process a study permit. In case of errors, it consumes even more 

time than expected.

This is how a valid study permit usually looks like:

 STEP NO.4

Now that you have a study permit, take the flight and fly to South Africa before it gets expired. LOL. You are done.

STEP NO.5

thank me!!!!! LOL

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PHARMACY IN "UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND"

University of the Witwatersrand

 The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a multi-campus South African public research university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg. It is more commonly known as Wits University. The University has its roots in the mining industry, as do Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in general. Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, it is the third oldest South African university in continuous operation, after the University of Cape Town (founded in 1829), and Stellenbosch University (founded in 1866).

In 1959, the Extension of University Education Act forced restricted registrations of black students for most of the apartheid era; despite this, several notable black leaders graduated from the University. It became desegregated once again prior to the abolition of apartheid in 1990. Several of apartheid's most provocative critics, of either European or African descent, were one-time students and graduates of the University.

The University has an enrollment of 27,934 students as of 2010, of which approximately 4,566 live on campus in the University's 18 residences. As of 2010, 67.7% of the University's total enrollment is for undergraduate study, with the remaining 32.3% being postgraduate.

PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacy is a dynamic, patient-oriented profession committed to fulfilling the health care needs of South Africa and its people. Movement is away from the traditional compounding and dispensing of medicine towards a more professional advisory and primary health care role. Through innovative application of knowledge and skills the pharmacist becomes involved in the healing, serving and education -- a substantial contribution to the community of which the Pharmacist is an integral part. The Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology aims to provide exemplary undergraduate, professional and graduate education in the health professions and natural sciences. General Contact Information General Enquiries 1 Jan Smuts Avenue Braamfontein 2000 Johannesburg, South Africa Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa Tel: 27 (0) 11 717-1000 Email: webmaster@wits.ac.za General Contacts Telephone Email Undergraduate and postgraduate admission information Tel: 27 (0) 11 717 1030/1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 Fax: 27 (0) 11 717 1299 Admission.Senc@wits.ac.za  International students Tel: 27 (0) 11 717 1054/5 Fax 27 (0) 11 7171059 studysa.international@wits.ac.za Evening classes / Part-time students (Undergraduate qualifications only) Tel: 27 (0)11 717-9505/ 9500/9501/9505 Fax: 27 (0) 11 717-9519 or 0865532969 Ntokozo.Mngadi@wits.ac.za Financial Assistance Tel : 27 (0)11 717-1081 Fax : 27 (0) 11 339-4387  info.finaid@wits.ac.za Advancement & Partnerships:Marketing Tel: 27 (0)11 717 1027 Fax: 27 (0)11 717 1065 Ferna Clarkson Advancement & Partnerships: Communications Tel: 27 (0)11 717 1019 Fax: 27 (0)11 717 1065 Shirona Patel  Faculties Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management Registrar: Tel: 27 (011) 717 8001 Marike.bosman@wits.ac.za Undergraduate Enquiries: Tel: 27 (011) 717 8007 Riddick.mnisi@wits.ac.za Postgraduate General enquiries: Tel: 27 (011) 717 8005 / 3565 Ntshepeng.Tshabala@wits.ac.za Vanishree.Pillay@wits.ac.za Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Engineering: Undergraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 7000/7 Postgraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 7602 Thando.Mbolekwa@wits.ac.za Built Environment: Undergraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 7601/2 Postgraduate Applications enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 7603 Glenda.Levitan@wits.ac.za Faculty of Health Sciences Undergraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 2545/ 2097 undergrad@health.wits.ac.za Postgraduate enquiries:  Tel: 27 11 717 2510 /2076 health.pg@wits.ac.za  Faculty of Humanities Undergraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 4004 27 (0) 11 717 4005 27 (0) 11 717 8203 Johannes.Mogotsi@wits.ac.za Palesa.Moekoena@wits.ac.za Diana.Govender@wits.ac.za Postgraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 4002/7/8 27 (0) 11 717 8202 Rita.Kruger@wits.ac.za / Mpho.Ntseare@wits.ac.za / Hale.Modau@wits.ac.za Julie.Poyser@wits.ac.za  Faculty of Science Undergraduate enquiries:  Tel: 27 (0)11 717 6000 science.ug@wits.ac.za Postgraduate enquiries: Tel: 27 (0)11 717 6004 science.pg@wits.ac.za

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PHARMACY IN "UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO" & ''UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN CAPE

University of Limpopo(medunsa campus)

 

The University of Limpopo is a university in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. It was formed on 1 January 2005, by the merger of the University of the North and the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA). These previous institutions form the Turfloop and MEDUNSA campuses of the university, respectively. 

PHARMACY SCHOOL:

This problem-based BPharm course is at present the only one of its kind in South Africa. The strategy of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is in line with the national policy of Outcomes Based Education, since it is aimed at producing professional pharmacists equipped to practice effectively, immediately on completion of the degree.

Pharmacists are the custodians of medicines and contribute to good patient care by offering counselling and education about the safe, effective use of medicines.They help ensure that all medicines are of high and consistent quality.

Duration

Four years, with an additional internship year and community service year to be completed before registration as a pharmacist.

Career Opportunities

Community Pharmacy, Primary Health Care, Hospital Pharmacy, Public Service Practice, Industrial Pharmacy, Academic Pharmacy, Wholesale Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research.

contact : 

 Mrs Lindi Mabope, Tel: (012) 521 4649/4745, Fax: (012) 521 4751   or
Mrs Hannelie Meyer (Course Coordinator), Tel. (012) 521 4741, Fax: (012) 521 4751

TURFLOOP CAMPUS:

The University of the North was established in 1959 under the apartheid regime's policy of separate ethnically-based institutions of higher learning policy. The university was sited at Turfloop farm about 40 km east of Pietersburg. The town that grew around the university was named Sovenga, (Sotho, Venda, Tsonga) for the three ethnic groups that were supposed to study there. In reality, most inhabitants refer to the town as Mankweng, after one of the chiefs of the area. Under later apartheid, UNIN served as a "model" university where dignitaries were brought to show the "viability" of the separate facilities. As such, it received heavy government subsidies, but the real problem was that the students that the university supposedly served were so under-resourced in their standard education that the quality of instruction was placed under incredible demands.

The university was a center of resistance to apartheid in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s with the SADF occupying the grounds often during those years. After the end of apartheid, the university struggled through various re-organization and rationalization schemes, yet always managed to survive. Enrollment fluxuated wildly in the years after liberation and while some faculty did not transition very easily, others were able to seize upon the new opportunities.

The University of Limpopo is the result of a merger between the former Medical University of Southern Africa and the University of the North, which merger occurred on 1 January 2005.

The Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA) was established in 1976 to provide tertiary education and training facilities to the educationally disadvantaged in the fields of Medicine, Allied Health and Nursing Sciences, and Dentistry intended to meet the health needs of the country..

The Campus is situated to the north-west of Pretoria. Its grounds extend over some 350 ha adjoining the Ga-Rankuwa Township and are easily accessible by roads and rail. Regular bus and taxi services operate between Pretoria and Dr George Mukhari Hospital as well as between Mabopane and Medunsa.

contact: 

Contact Details Telephone number :015 268 2356 / 2347 Fax number : 015 268 2523

University of the Western Cape

The University of the Western Cape is a public university located in the Bellville suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. It was established in 1960 by the South African government as a university for Coloured people only. Other universities near Cape Town are the University of Cape Town, (UCT, originally for English speaking whites) and the Stellenbosch University (originally for Afrikaans speaking whites). The establishing of UWC was a direct effect of the Separate University Education Bill of 1957. This law accomplished the segregation of higher education in South Africa. Coloured students were only allowed at a few non-white universities. In this period, other 'ethnical' universities, such as the University of Zululand and the University of the North, were founded as well. Since well before the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994, it has been an integrated and multiracial institution. 

School of Pharmacy

Why Study Pharmacy?

Pharmacists have a responsibility to play meaningful roles in the healthcare of the people they serve. They do this through an emphasis on the correct and rational use of medicines and related products. There is also an acute shortage of and thus a great need for pharmacists in South Africa and in various other xountrie in the world. A B Pharm. Qualification can lead to many varied worldwide opportunities.

What is the duration of the curriculum?

The curriculum extends over four years. After obtaining the B.Pharm degree an internship of one year (in community, hospital or industry) or two years (academic) ensues. This is followed by a compulsory year of community service in the public hospital sector as a fully fledged pharmacist.

Career opportunities with a B.Pharm degree

Community Pharmacy – Pharmacists play a key roles in communities. They dispense medicines, advise patients on correct and rational use of medications and cosmetics, counsel people on health matters, perform diagnostics screening procedures and refer to othe health care workers for appropriate help. They often play leadership roles in the communities they serve .

Hospital Pharmacy – Pharmacists in this setting compound and dispense medicines and counsel patients. They may also be involved in small scale manufacture of specialized medicines such as radio-active pharmaceuticals, total parenteral  nutrition preparations and injectables. Drug supply management is also handled.

Industrial Pharmacy – Pharmacist in this setting are involved  in the manufacture , quality control, packaging, storage, registration and marketing of all types of medicines such as tablets, suppositories, injections and syrups. They usually assume supervisory or other leadership positions in this arena.

Academic Pharmacy – Pharmacists may wish to pursue a career in academic pharmacy, which involves teaching university students and researching relevant issues for the further development and progress of the profession.

Other career options are – Professional medicines detailing for pharmaceutical companies (people appointed as pharmaceutical representatives) ; clinical research associates to assist in drug clinical trials, consultants to medical aids and other pharmaceutical institutions and businesses . Opportunities also exist in the field of regulatory and professional organizations associated with pharmacy, and, I the fields of cosmetics, food and beverages manufacturing and marketing.

Skills acquired

-          Develop sound communication and writing skills

-          Develop interpersonal skills

-          Develop critical thinking abilities

-          Acquire sound laboratory technique

B.Pharm I enrolment is limited to 140 students. We are the only School of Pharmacy in the Western Cape

Degrees

-          B.Pharm.

-          M.Pharm.

-          M.Sc (Pharmaceutical Science)

-          Ph.D.

-          D.Pharm.

CONTACT:

UWC Contact Centre
		Telephone :	+27 21 959 3900 : Prospective Students
		Telephone :	+27 21 959 3901 : Current Students
		Telephone :	+27 21 959 3902 : Parents and Sponsors
		Telephone :	+27 21 959 3903 : Alumni and Employers
		Telephone :	+27 21 959 2911 : General Information
UWC Postal Address
		Postal Address :	University of the Western Cape
			Private Bag X17 Bellville 7535 Republic of South Africa
UWC Physical Address
		Physical Address :	University of the Western Cape
			Modderdam Road Bellville 7535 Republic of South Africa
UWC Website Enquiries
		Email Address :	servicedesk@uwc.ac.za

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