ANNUAL REPORT 2016/2017

PSSA Section 22 of the PSSA Constitution requires that an AGM of the General Council of the PSSA must be held. This section also specifies the business of the AGM. This includes the report of the President, on behalf of the Executive Committee, covering the activities of the Society and its branches during the past year, as well as the report of the Honorary Treasurer on the audited Annual Financial Statements.

Many of the PSSA activities are ongoing and a comprehensive account can be found in the documentation sent during the year to the PSSA National Executive committee, the frequent newsletters to all members as well as the South African Pharmaceutical Journal, the PSSA website and facebook pages.

Please note: In some instances mentioned below, published legislation is recorded, although at the time of implementation the only activity required by the PSSA was to inform its members so that the legislation could be implemented in practice.

NATIONAL ACTIVITIES 1. NATIONAL HEALTH ACT, 61 OF 2003

1.1 Universal Access to Health care ( National Health Insurance)In December 2015, the White Paper on National Health Insurance was published in the Government Gazette for comment. On 24 May 2016, the PSSA submitted its comment to the Director General of Health.

The PSSA was disappointed that the recommendations in its 2011 submission on the NHI Green Paper were not incorporated into any of the elements of the NHI White Paper. PSSA submission May 2016In its May 2016 submission, the PSSA reiterated its commitment to universal coverage in healthcare for all. It also confirmed its views that: The pharmacist should stand central in the rendering of pharmaceutical services, as is envisaged

by pharmacy and medicines legislation; Pharmacists are able to render a comprehensive service related not only to medicines, but to

primary healthcare and health promotion; There are serious concerns as to the CCMDD and PUPs; Pharmacists who are contracted into the NHI should be compensated fairly; Discussions as to the pricing model for medicines should commence urgently; Pharmacists should be actively involved in all the NHI Work Streams; Details as to the NHI funding and financing are urgently required.

PSSA meeting with the Director GeneralOn 8 May 2017, representatives of the PSSA and the ICPA met with the Director General (DG) of Health. She explained the background to the discussions about achieving universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

The DG posed the following questions:

The Centralised Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) system is working. How can pharmacists help the DoH to continue working and, for example, to bring the system into townships and rural areas where there are no pharmacies?

What model of contracting should be used? What will it take to get a pharmacy everywhere so that medicines can be obtained

without going to tender? How is NHI going to create employment for the new generation of pharmacists?

Dr Anban Pillay has worked with the workstream dealing with the purchaser-provider split. It has become clear that the CCMDD is needed in townships and rural settings.

The NDoH is currently working with a process to register healthcare professionals and patients for NHI services. Compliance with the norms and standards for Primary Healthcare services, as contained in the National Health Normative Standards Framework, will be essential for enrolment, which will only be on-line. An important target for 2017 is to register all patients.

The DG explained that the NHI will eliminate all out-of-pocket payments when people need to access healthcare services. This includes abolition of the Uniform Patient Fee Schedule (UPFS) used in the public sector. It has been suggested that medical schemes should collapse the number of options that are offered, and should start by implementing the Essential Medicines List and Standard Treatment Guidelines on some of their options.

According to the DG, the main mechanism of contracting healthcare professionals will be a risk-adjusted capitation system, with an element of performance based payment. In effect, it will be a combination system.

A comprehensive package of healthcare services must be developed. All clinics, including those within pharmacies, must follow the ideal clinic model. Pharmacies that wish to be involved must determine their proximity to a clinic. They must provide health promotion and those services that have been identified as being within their scope of practice, e.g. screening tests.

The DG suggested that the PSSA should meet with SAMA to discuss the “scope creep” that occurs when doctors dispense and pharmacists prescribe. She also appealed to the profession to bring back professionalism.

The next step is to be a follow up meeting with Dr Pillay and the NHI co-ordinator at the Department of Health. The DG said that she needs much firmer proposals than the comment received – the proposals must include implementation plans and no comments or policies.

After the meeting, it was agreed that PSSA and ICPA should work together to present a consolidated model.

Issues raised by Dr MotsoalediAlthough the draft White Paper proposed mandatory membership of NHI and a reduced role for medical schemes to providing only "complementary services", recent media interviews with Dr Motsoaledi have indicated a potentially softer approach, with medical scheme existence continuing into exist in the transition to NHI. The focus during this stage will be to reduce both the number of medical schemes and the number of options, so that all members received the same benefits regardless of their socioeconomic status. Medical scheme subsidies and tax credits are also likely to be revoked in line with the Treasury's announcement in the February budget of the government's plan to establish an NHI Fund later in the year. The fund might be partially financed by a reduction in the tax subsidy given to medical scheme members.

Publication of NHI White PaperOn 30 June 2017, the National Health Insurance Policy: Towards Universal Health Coverage was published in the Government Gazette, in terms of the National Health Act, 2003. It has yet to be scrutinised by the PSSA.

1.2 Draft Norms and standards regulations applicable to various categories of health establishments

Draft regulations were published for comment in GN 10 on 4 January 2017. The PSSA was pleased to note that the SAPC’s GPP standards anticipated the norms and standards for facilities and services. The SAPC has enforced compliance by performing regular pharmacy inspections based on these rules for many years. Non-compliance with the rules has led to disciplinary action taken against the pharmacist responsible for the facility. Pharmacy therefore has the advantage and experience to support the Department and the Office of Health Standards Compliance in the introduction of these regulations.

As the country moves towards implementation of NHI, it has become evident that intra- and inter-professional collaboration is necessary. An example in the pharmacy environment is the use of Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Programme (CCMDD), where a facility may dispense and distribute medicines on behalf of primary health clinics in a local authority or district health system. It is important that the generators of the prescriptions can trust the standards used in the dispensing and distribution of the prescriptions. Another area where collaboration would be invaluable is that of clinical care, where prescribers and pharmacists may have different information about patients.

These norms and standards will go a long way to identifying areas where inter-professional teamwork will improve healthcare outcomes. It has long been a source of concern to the PSSA that there appears to be little or no follow up to ensure GPP compliance by professionals authorised to compound and dispense medicines in terms of section 22C of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965. This is because the SAPC has no mandate to inspect premises from which these healthcare professionals practise. These regulations will no doubt be applied and monitored to ensure the suitability of such premises.

The National Health Act, 61 of 2003, defines “health establishment” as:“the whole or part of a public or private institution, facility, building or place, whether for profit or not, that is operated or designed to provide inpatient or outpatient treatment, diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, nursing, rehabilitative, palliative, convalescent, preventative or other health services”

This definition makes it clear that all health establishments, in both public and private sectors, will be required to comply with the requirements of the National Health Act and its regulations.

The National Act therefore applies equally to individual healthcare practitioners engaged in their own private sector practices to public sector quaternary hospitals. There are a number of the norms and standards which are impractical to apply to individual private practices, and it is hoped that this will be addressed in the final regulations.

2. MEDICINES AND RELATED SUBSTANCES ACT, 101 OF 1965

2.1 Dispensing fee 2017On 27 January 2017, the current dispensing fee for pharmacists was published and came into operation on the day of publication. The fee analysis reflected an increase from the 2016 fee as well as an increase on the draft fee that was published in August 2016.

On 19 May 2017, a draft fee was published for comment. Analysis of the fee, compared with the fee published in January 2017, reflects an increase, for all pharmacy groups, from R49.37 to R50.97 (VAT exclusive).

Comparing the different categories of pharmacies the following is noted. For independent pharmacies the average income for all bands increases from R44.17 to R45.79. Corporate pharmacies increase from R49.04 to R50.93 and courier pharmacies increase from R67.17 to R71.64.

The challenge presented by our analysis is that it takes a sample of products at a fixed point in time, re-prices that same sample at that same point in time, and then compares the two results. This kind of analysis does not accommodate the shift, either up or down, of the SEP or the annual SEP increase. It should be noted that an increase of say 5% on a product of R50.00 has a significant effect on the increase of the dispensing fee for the first and even the second dispensing fee bands. These are the dispensing fee bands having a high percentage component in the fee calculation.

When the original fee published in November 2010 is re-calculated to include annual inflation, the current fee target is shown to be slightly below the Pricing Committee (PC) target for all pharmacies but significantly below the fee target for independent pharmacies. It is also below the PSF fee target.

Focal areas for discussion with the PC The use of the PC data set appears to give a different (higher) fee when compared to the

dataset to which the PSF has access. This results in a different fee from that calculated by the PSSA, with the PC fee appearing much more optimistic.

The fee target of the PC seems to be lower than the PSF fee target, which has been adjusted to accommodate inflation over the period since 2010.

The zero base costing methodology used has not been revisited since 2010 although there have been significant changes in some of the cost lines such as salaries.

The average fee calculation puts the independent pharmacies at risk as reflected above. The analysis is a “theoretical” income as most medical schemes do not remunerate at the

published fee level. It is critical to move away from the “maximum fee” model to a ”fixed fee model”. The possibility of the SAPC taking over the regulation of the pharmacist’s dispensing fee should

be explored. It is an acceptable practice by medical schemes to calculate medical inflation as inflation plus

2% or even 3 %. This is not done for pharmacy fees.

The fee published for comment seems to be the fee intended for 2018, but the PSF believes it is essential to meet with the PC as soon as possible, as a new PC has been appointed and the PSF must ensure members have a full understanding of the fee model used and the challenges that this model presents.

2.2 Pricing committeeIn November 2016, the PSF wrote to the Minister of Health, requesting urgent appointment of the Pricing Committee, which was at that stage overdue. It is believed that the Committee has since been appointed, but no notification has yet been seen in the Gazette.

2.3 Specified Schedule 5 Registers The PSSA has been concerned about an apparent change of policy by the SAPC which is being enforced by its inspectors. In 2008, Council recorded a decision to remove the requirement that inspections should report on Specified Schedule 5 register maintenance, because it was acknowledged that there was a contradiction between Section 22A of the Act and Regulation 30 of the General Regulations. This decision appeared to have been overturned, as the PSSA was aware of pharmacies that were downgraded following inspections that recorded a failure to maintain such a register.

The Registrar of the SAPC was contacted and a copy of a legal opinion obtained was sent to him. The opinion states that “retail pharmacists and pharmacies are not by law required to keep specified schedule 5 or schedule 6 medicines registers” and they “cannot be legally or lawfully forced or required to do so without an amendment to the Medicines Act, and in particular subsection 22A(6) of the Medicines Act.”

The SAPC has since removed the requirement from the inspection questionnaires. In addition, the PSSA has it on good authority that, when the final General Medicines Regulations are published, they will reflect that this is not a requirement for healthcare professionals who supply specified Schedule 5 substances to the public on prescription.

2.4 Medicines and Related Substances Amendment ActsThe President of South Africa determined 1 June 2017 as the date on which the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act (Act 72 of 2008) comes into effect (Proclamation Notice 20 of 2017; Government Gazette No. 40869, 26 May 2017).

This automatically triggers the implementation of the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act (Act 14 of 2015), as section 27 of that Act states: "This Act is called the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act, 2015, and comes into operation immediately after the commencement of the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No. 72 of 2008)."

The PSSA understands that the amended General Regulations have been finalised and publication is imminent.

The Minister of Health has called for nominations for the board of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, which will replace the Medicines Control Council.

2.5 Draft amendment to general regulations On 25 July 2016, draft General Medicine Regulations were published in order to accommodate complementary medicines and health supplements in the regulations

2.6 Draft general regulationsOn 27 January 2017, more draft General Medicine Regulations were published. These however did not propose ad hoc amendments but will replace the current regulations in their entirety. These regulations are intended to give effect to the two Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Acts discussed in 5.2 above.

2.7 Regulations relating to Medical Devices and in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices (IVDs)These regulations were published on 9 December 2016. Concern has been expressed about the restrictions to marketing sale of devices.

3. PHARMACY ACT, 53 OF 1965, AND SA PHARMACY COUNCIL MATTERS

3.1 Community service for pharmacists (CSP) It is a statutory requirement for pharmacist interns to perform a year of community service in the employ of the state. The onus therefore remains on the state to ensure timeously that there are sufficient suitable posts in the public sector to accommodate all pharmacist interns.

Unfortunately, untested changes in the placement process, particularly the use of inadequately tested software, together with the attrition of staff at the NDoH and the insufficient provincial posts available, led to widespread confusion, with about 10% of interns unplaced by the end of 2016. This was resolved by permitting private sector facilities, in particular Pick up Points for the CCMDD, to employ CSPs. It is important that immediate attention should be given to resolving the technical problems encountered with the new software as well as the funding and identification of suitable posts.In April 2017, representatives of the Workforce Cluster at the NDoH met with the various professional societies/associations to discuss the proposed guidelines which the NDoH had written and which had been approved by the National Health Council. It was decided that the system would not be opened for applications until there are enough posts as the Department does not want a repeat of the fiasco that occurred in 2016.

The “five province rule” was changed so that only three choices can be made. Each choice has the same weighting. The guidelines also include a weighting system to be used to decide on personal considerations.

The system was opened in June for pharmacy interns to register. At the time of writing this report the system had not been opened for applications.

3.2 Increases in fees payable to councilThe PSSA continues to be concerned by the way in which increases in fees are communicated to pharmacists. Legal opinion was obtained in which it is stated that there is a “prohibition against sub-delegation by the Minister, of his / her delegated legislative authority in sub-section 49(1)(d) of the Pharmacy Act, to prescribe annual fees, to the SAPC, which means that only the Minister may prescribe the annual fees by way of regulations in terms of the statutory process outlined in subsection 49(5) of the Pharmacy Act.”

In February 2017, the PSSA brought the matter to the attention of the Minister in a letter, asking for clarity on the matter.

To date, the matter remains unresolved.

3.3 PCDTAfter some years, the National Department of Health resumed issuing permits to pharmacists trained and registered as Primary Care Drug Therapists. The South African Medical Association was concerned about the consequences for the patient. The PSSA issued a media release, reassuring the public and SAMA that there is no danger of a dramatic change in the scope of practice of pharmacists, nor will patients be put at risk by inadequately trained pharmacists. The background to the introduction of PCDT was explained, as well as the training and the conditions of the permit. The PSSA firmly believes

that PCDT pharmacists can increase the access to primary health care services in their communities.

3.4 Pharmacy licencesThe process involved in issuing pharmacy licences has been the responsibility of the National Department of Health since its inception. Discussions on delegation of this responsibility to the SAPC have been underway for some time. The PSSA has it on good authority that good progress has been made and that it is highly likely that the SAPC will soon undertake this important work.

3.5 BN 194 of 2016In December 2016, minimum standards for the sale of HIV screening test kits to consumers were published for comment. In particular, the PSSA was concerned about the fact that the standard required only world Health Organisation approved kits. Although no test kits are currently approved by the Medicines Control Council, it is reasonable to expect that this will be done in due course by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

3.6 BN 196 of 2016 and BN 198 of 2016 Two draft pharmacy technician qualifications were published for comment in December 2016. The first is a Higher Education and Training qualification, while the second is a Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualification. The PSSA’s comment on both was supportive.

Two different streams are used in order to cater for both the people who are able to become full time students and those who prefer or need to have education that includes workplace training. In the PSSA’s opinion, the QCTO qualification addresses an important gap in the profession, and will give reassurance to the currently registered Pharmacist’s Assistant Basic and Pharmacist’s Assistant Post Basic that their role in the pharmacy is appreciated and will continue in future. It also provides them, as well as prospective learners, with the opportunity to continue studying while employed.

In addition, the qualification has three exit levels to cater for learners who are unable to complete the entire qualification. It also shows a clear career path for those learners who are able to progress in their qualification and accept increasing responsibility.

3.7 BN 431 of 2017The GPP was amended by addition of a standard to regulate activities relating to the collection by and the delivery of medicines to patients from a community or institutional pharmacy.3.8 BN 432 of 2017The rules relating to the services for which a pharmacist may levy a fee have been amended so as to provide an increase in the amount of the fees, which have not been amended for some time.

3.9 BN 434 of 2017The fees payable on registration and annual renewal for remote automated dispensing units used in the public sector were published.

4. MEDICAL SCHEMES ACT, 131 OF 1998, AND COUNCIL FOR MEDICAL SCHEMES MATTERS

Designated Service ProvidersOn 9 June 2017, the Council for Medical Schemes announced that it intends to declare certain practices as irregular or undesirable practices in relation to the activities of medical schemes.

Although medical schemes are entitled to appoint designated service providers to provide diagnosis, treatment and care in respect of the prescribed minimum benefit conditions, the registrar indicated that information is available showing that some medical schemes:

Unilaterally and without restriction determine the criteria to apply when selecting their dedicated service providers (DSPs).

Select DSPs without engaging in a fair procurement or tender process and without considering applications or tenders to join their DSP network from all interested service providers.

Thus unfairly limit the number of selected service providers (including pharmacies) available to provide the healthcare services to the members.

Oblige members only to use a limited number of DSPs or to risk paying exorbitant co- payments.

Among other things this practice has prevented many healthcare service providers, including independent community pharmacies, the opportunity to join the DSP network of such schemes even though they are willing and able to provide healthcare services at the same fee rate as the selected DSPs.

The CMS is considering the possibility of declaring two business practices as irregular and undesirable for all medical schemes:

The selection by a medical scheme of a healthcare provider or group of providers as the preferred provider or providers to provide to its members the diagnosis, treatment and care in respect of one or more prescribed minimum benefit conditions, namely as designated service providers without engaging in a tender process which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.

Imposing a co-payment in terms of Regulation 8(2)(b) that exceeds the quantum of the difference between that charged by the designated service provider of the medical scheme and that charged by a provider that is not a designated service provider of such scheme.

An invitation was therefore issued to interested persons to make written representation about the matter to the Registrar.

The PSSA responded by writing to the Registrar immediately. In particular, the PSSA believes that the declaration “Imposing a co-payment in terms of Regulation 8(2) (b) that exceeds the quantum of the difference between that charged by the designated service provider of the medical scheme and that charged by a provider that is not a designated service provider of such scheme” as an undesirable practice for all medical schemes will be fair to both the medical scheme members as well as the health care service provider including those who want to offer their services at the same fee as the DSP fee. Furthermore this declaration should not financially challenge the medical schemes as they will not be expected to pay more for the service compared to the fee charged by their appointed DSPs.

5. HEALTH MARKET INQUIRY

During 2016, the Healthcare Market Inquiry (HMI), which was launched by the Competition Commission in 2014, held a number of public hearings into different aspects of private healthcare.

Further to the presentation to the HMI panel in February 2016, Lorraine Osman was invited to make a supplementary submission in the form of a presentation to the Evidence Leaders.

In December 2016, the HMI published a revised timetable. Because of the overwhelming response to the request for information, the HMI was granted an extension of time. This will assist the HMI to complete its consultations and to process the information for inclusion in additional reports.

The latest communication from the HMI is a research note on the investigation into cross-ownership and cross-directorships in the South African private health sector, published in May 2017.

6. PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION ACT, 4 OF 2013

In October 2016, the PSSA wrote to the Director-General of the Department of Justice, requesting clarification on whether the sale by the Pharmacy Council of contact details of pharmacists for the purposes of marketing constitutes an infringement of the POPI Act. To date, no response has been received.

7. REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

The Auditor General of South Africa’s published a report on the Performance Audit of the Management of Pharmaceuticals at national and provincial departments of health.

PSSA and SAAHIP are disappointed to find that, more than ten years after pharmacy and medicines legislation became binding on the state, in many instances the public sector is still unable to comply with its requirements, in particular those of the Rules relating to Good Pharmacy Practice. The consequence of this non-compliance is a compromised pharmaceutical service, with direct consequences for patient safety. 

Although the report notes plans that are being prepared, and in some cases implemented, a long-standing lack of investment in infrastructure will continue to have far-reaching repercussions for patients served by the public sector. The report notes that a massive increase in patient demand has also contributed to the deficiencies in current infrastructure.

Many of the system’s shortcomings could be managed with adequate and appropriate information technology.  It is hoped that this will be addressed as the country enters the next phase of NHI introduction.

Many of the difficulties experienced, such as stock management and record keeping, could be mitigated by appointment of appropriately trained pharmacy personnel. The report notes that pharmacists are regarded as one of the critical occupations with the highest number of vacant posts. The PSSA and SAAHIP believe that the implementation of the occupation specific dispensation alone cannot be seen as a means of recruiting and maintaining pharmacists if working conditions are not addressed as well.

In addition, the use of auxiliary pharmacy personnel, such as pharmacist’s assistants, as well as the proposed new cadre of pharmacy technicians, would go a long way to relieving the burden of both pharmacy and nursing personnel. Provision must therefore be made for posts, training and sufficient supervisory pharmacists.

8. SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL

The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), which was originally formed in January 2000, is a voluntary association of institutions that was established by the South African national cabinet to unite government, civil society and other stakeholders in the country’s response to HIV, TB and STIs. It represents all the national and provincial government departments, provincial, district and local AIDS councils, NGOs, civil society organisations, trade unions, private sector bodies and faith-based organisations that are working to address HIV and TB. The Plenary is chaired by the Deputy President of South Africa.

Initially, there were no pharmacists involved in SANAC, but in 2007, it was agreed that the Civil Society Forum, which has now 17 very different sectors, should have a sector for health professionals. Originally, it was decided that the health professionals should be represented by a medical practitioner, a nurse and a dentist. The PSSA convinced the Forum that it was more appropriate to have a pharmacist than a dentist. Carla da Silva was the first PSSA representative. She was replaced by Ria Pretorius. The intention is that Aleta Wege will be proposed when election of office bearers occurs.

In February 2017, the PSSA was invited to participate in the Health Professions Sector consultation process on the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs. The PSSA was represented by Ria Pretorius, Aleta Wege and Lorraine Osman. Colleen Whitelaw and Khadija Seedat also form part of the PSSA working team.

9. PHARMACY MONTH

Towards the end of 2016, the Director General of the Department of Health, Mrs Precious Matsoso approved the request by the Essential Drugs Programme to change Pharmacy Week to Pharmacy Month. Previously, Pharmacy Week was celebrated during the first week of September. From 2017, the whole month of September will be Pharmacy Month.

The stakeholders in this annual campaign are the National Department of Health, the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). The 2017 theme is vaccination, so the Essential Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is also included as a stakeholder.

Essential information will be given, such as what vaccines are, how vaccines work, who needs to be vaccinated and when someone should be vaccinated. The key message this year is to make the public aware that vaccines are not restricted to babies and toddlers, but that adults and the elderly can also benefit from annual vaccinations. The aim is to inform the public that with vaccination you can protect yourself, your family and the community as vaccines are a safe way to stop diseases spreading in the community.

The official marketing material is in its final phase of development and includes a poster and pamphlet.10. MEMBER SERVICES OFFERED BY PSSA PARTNERS

10.1 PPS insurance products

The PSSA and PPS continue to offer professional indemnity insurance to PSSA members. Several new products, such as short term insurance, are currently under consideration. The PSSA thanks PPS and, in particular, Jessica Wiggill, for the continued support offered to its members.

10.2 Alpha Pharm distance learningThe PSSA thanks Alpha Pharm and Insight Medicine Information for providing useful distance learning on relevant topics to both our pharmacist members and their front shop staff. This is particularly important at a time when many people are reluctant to go to CPD talks after work and they appreciate being able to participate in CPD at a time convenient to them. Thank you too to Geraldine Bartlett and Glynis van der Watt whose participation is deeply valued.

11. CO-OPERATION WITH SAACP AND ICPA

In order to facilitate practical co-operation with SAACP and ICPA, two bodies were performed with representation from PSSA, SAACP and ICPA.

11.1 PSF The Pharmacy Stakeholders Forum is comprised of PSSA, SAACP and ICPA representatives. All submissions to the authorities regarding the dispensing fee are done under the name of the PSF. The PSSA national office acts as the secretariat for the PSF.

11.2 CPLTThe Community Pharmacy Legal Trust (CPLT) was established to provide for funding when legal action or opinion, together with supporting activities such as research which is required for the benefit of community pharmacy/pharmacists. The CPLT was formally registered but the Trust deed does not clearly articulate the objective and intent of the operation of the trust and the responsibilities of trustees.

For this reason the capital beneficiaries, the PSSA, SAACP and ICPA, agreed to the following process and responsibilities. Any expenditure for a project identified can only be incurred once there is a formal resolution,

fully documented, from each of the National Executive Committees of the PSSA, SAACP and ICPA approving expenditure on the project.

The trustees cannot authorise any expenditure for any project other than a project approved by the three organisations.

Trustees cannot authorise any remuneration for themselves. The trustees’ fiduciary responsibility is to ensure that all funds of the trust are utilised solely for

the purpose as approved. The PSSA, SAACP and ICPA are entitled to appoint, and when necessary change, a trustee by

formal resolution.

The current registered trustees are Johann Kruger, Pep Manolas and Mogologolo Phasha. All administration and financial control is the responsibility of the PSSA National office. The financial statements are audited annually by Merwitz Malan.

Due to the death of Pep Manolas, SAACP must appoint a new trustee. 12. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

12.1 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

The PSSA has been a member organisation of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) for several years. FIP is the global body representing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Through their 139 national organisations, academic institutional members and individual members, they represent over three million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world.

The PSSA is represented on different levels of the FIP structure. Andy Gray is currently serving a four-year term as one of the eight vice-presidents of FIP. Ivan Kotzé represents PSSA on the FIP Council. Mariet Eksteen is serving a four-year term as executive committee member of the Academic Pharmacy Section.

FIP has had an official relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1948. Over the years FIP has made considerable strides in its partnership with the WHO in order to expand initiatives that evolve FIP’s ultimate goal — improved well-being and health. FIP was in a unique position to advocate for pharmacists’ and pharmaceutical scientists’ roles in the global health agenda like highlighting the pharmacists role in harm reduction during the 70th World Health Assembly on 29 May 2017.

FIP has published several reports and guidelines that are beneficial to the South African context. One of the most important new additions to the global pharmaceutical field is the 67 statements on pharmaceutical education as voted on during the 2016 Global Congress on Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Education in Nanjing, China. The PSSA was invited to send a delegation to this global event. Sarel Malan, Joggie Hattingh and Lorraine Osman represented the PSSA. They attended workshops on various aspects of pharmacy education and practice. Lorraine Osman was one of four pharmacists invited to participate in a workshop on education for collaborative working. She presented on her experience in multi-disciplinary training.

Other supportive documents have been published on relevant issues such as pharmacy workforce demands and the professional role of pharmacists. In 2017, FIP Education conducted a study aimed at identifying, and subsequently sharing, best-practice examples of national-level research, development and evaluation strategies in pharmaceutical education and workforce development. The PSSA was asked to participate in it and submitted a South African case study. The information gathered will be incorporated into a document aimed at highlighting alignment of national development projects with the Pharmaceutical Workforce Development Goals, which will be presented at the 2017 FIP Conference in Seoul.

It is important that the PSSA should use the FIP documents in order to develop plans and activities to assist our members and enhance professional practice.

Due to the continuing benefit of being a member organisation of FIP, the PSSA considered whether or not to submit a bid to host a future FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in South Africa. The primary objective of such a decision was to provide all individuals involved in the South African pharmaceutical environment the opportunity to attend an international congress locally at a fraction of the international price. This decision was put into motion towards the end of 2016 and a bid was submitted to the FIP secretariat end of June for the 2021 World Congress.

12.2 Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA)The CPA was originally set up by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in 1970 and still enjoys close links with this organisation and the Commonwealth Secretariat. In 2015, the CPA Trust was formed. It operates as an independent charity. In collaboration with national pharmaceutical associations, the CPA is active in improving the quality of pharmacy practice throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to hosting international conferences during which

a full Council Meeting is held, the CPA participates in regional conferences in conjunction with CPA Executive Council Meetings.

Other activities in which CPA is involved include the Commonwealth Health Hub, which supports the community of health professionals and policy-makers in Commonwealth countries who are dedicated to improving Universal Health Coverage, particularly with respect to non-communicable diseases.

One of the ways in which the CPA assists members is by PharmAid, which is the annual re-distribution of the British National formulary to pharmacists and other health professionals in the lower and middle income Commonwealth countries. It also sources distance learning CPD programmes for its members.

Ivan Kotzé is the immediate past president of the CPA, and Lorraine Osman has served as one of the two vice presidents for the past two years. She represented the CPA at the 2016 Indian Pharmaceutical Society Congress, where she was invited to speak on the challenges in developing a pharmacy workforce to deliver safe and effective pharmaceutical care, with particular reference to the Nanjing statements.

13. COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS AND PUBLICATIONS

13.1 E-newsletters to membersThis continues to be the primary means of communication with members. It is an easy and convenient way to inform members of important information and events as and when they happen.

13.2 FacebookMariet Eksteen has brought new life to our facebook pages. In particular, they have been used to give exposure to the 2017 Conference programme. It has also been useful to give much deserved exposure to the companies that have supported the conference.

13.3 JournalsThe South African Pharmaceutical Journal and the South African Pharmacist’s Assistant are published by Medpharm Publications on behalf of the PSSA. The SAPJ is now published six times a year, and SAPA is published four times a year. This makes financial sense as both printing and postage expenses have been reduced.

Although all unsolicited articles are peer reviewed, this remains a challenge because of the unavailability of local reviewers. This is currently being addressed.

13.4 PSSA Pharmacy Law Compendium.This continues to be published by LexisNexis on behalf of the PSSA. Although the current edition which contains both English and Afrikaans will continue to be available, it was decided to produce an edition which features only English. Talks with LexisNexis are ongoing and we look forward to a continuing mutually beneficial relationship.

13.5 Media relationsThe PSSA continues to have a good relationship with external media. The national office is frequently contacted for comment. A number of interviews were conducted in the past year, particularly

around the Community Service issues, where Sarel Malan and Lorraine Osman participated in a number of radio interviews. Together with Joggie Hattingh, they were also quoted in print media.

In addition, Lorraine Osman was asked to participate in a number of radio programmes on diverse matters, including generic medicines and internet pharmacies, as well as to comment on a number of issues in print media.

13.6 PSSA websiteOne of the National Offices upcoming projects is the revitalisation of the website. In particular, the website is currently not used by all sectors and branches. It is hoped that this will be remedied in the coming year.

14. FOUNDATION FOR PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION

Undergraduate Allocations – 2017In 2017, a total of R150 000 was available for allocation from 6 sponsors; 10 undergraduate students received bursaries. The PSSA appreciates the contribution of its branches to the FPE, but it remains a source of concern that this is the only support for the FPE.

The FPE would like to thank its branches for their continued commitment and support, which continues to assist deserving undergraduate students.

A total of 109 applications were received, of which 70 were female and 39 males.

Applicants per university: NMMU – 17, NWU – 9, Rhodes – 19, SMU – 7, TUT – 5, UKZN – 10, UL – 20, UWC – 9, Wits – 13

Applicants per year of study: 2nd year – 69, 3rd year – 29, 4th year – 11

FPE Undergraduate Bursaries 2017

Sponsors Name University / Study year

Cape Midlands – ERS Windsor Ms Luchaan McClune NMMU / 3CWP Branch Mr Aviwe Songelwa UWC / 3KZN Coastal – LF Wood Ms Zandisiwe Mbawuli Rhodes / 3

Ms Yonelisa Gxalaba NMMU / 2KZN Coastal – Ambler Brothers Ms Kajal Mohanlal UKZN / 4

Ms Megashree Arumugam UKZN / 4PSSA Southern Gauteng Ms Ijeoma Adams Wits / 4

Mr Sicelo Sithole Wits / 2 PSSA Ms Yvonne van Rensburg NWU / 4

Ms Xivono Mashakeni SMU / 4

Demographics of bursary allocations

The majority of bursaries (60%) were allocated to African students, while 90% of the successful applicants are Black as per the BBBEE definition.

Race and gender distributions

Female MaleRace Total % Total % Total %African 4 40 2 20 6 60Asian 2 20 - - 2 20Coloured 1 10 - - 1 10White 1 10 - - 1 10Total 8 80 2 20 10 100

Year of study

Year of Study Total %2 2 203 3 304 5 50

Total 10 100

The Universities of study

15. YOUNG PHARMACISTS’ GROUP OF THE PSSA

The Young Pharmacists’ Group has had an extremely successful year. We are proud to share with you some of the highlights (May 2016 to July 2017).

YPG representation on national and regional committeesAt a national level, YPG was represented on the PSSA Executive committee (Exco) by Mariet Eksteen, on SAAHIP Exco by Eulanda Tshivhidzo, and on SAACP Exco by Gawie Malan. Six of the PSSA branches included YPG representatives – Cape Midlands (Razia Gaida), Southern Gauteng (Walter Mbatha), Cape Western Province (Gawie Malan), Pretoria (Matlapheng Shabalala, Famola Ngobeni and Thulani Motha), Limpopo (Rhulani Maluleka) and Free State (Lindie Liebenberg). Mariet Eksteen also attended SAAHIP Conference 2017 on behalf of the YPG.

YPG programme at the PSSA conferenceFor the first time, YPG has decided to host a one day programme at the PSSA 2017 conference, which will be focussed on the young (and not-so-young) professionals. The programme includes: Professional Innovation and Development – the 2016 winner and runner-up of the YPG

Professional Innovation Project will present their projects. In addition, the PPS Foundation will present a one hour workshop on financial wellbeing.

At the YPG Business Meeting, the progress since 2014 will be reviewed and the first official steering committee will be elected.

An Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) session will focus on the role and contribution of the pharmacist in AMS from different perspectives.

University Total %Medunsa / TUT - -NMMU 2 20NWU 1 10Rhodes University 1 10SMU 1 10University of KZN 2 20University of Western 1 10Witwatersrand 2 50Total 10 100

An YPG evening at The Brazen Head, Fourways, will give young pharmacists the opportunity to network and have lots of fun during the Irish themed programme of food, drinks, music and karaoke.

Projects Professional Innovation Project: This project was presented for the third time in 2017. Two

applications were received. The winning project was announced during the PSSA AGM on Thursday 6 July 2017. Gawie Malan administered the 2017 call for applications, and will hand over to the newly elected Project Coordinator who will manage the project from July 2017.

Pharmacist-led activities towards tobacco-free communities: After consulting with the FIP report published on 2015, YPG began collaborating with HealthCraft who have an established smoking sensation programme. World Anti-tobacco Day on 31 May provided an opportunity for pharmacists to advise consumers on the benefits and management of smoking cessation.

Intern pre-registration workshops and CSP information: YPG developed guidelines to host an YPG pre-registration workshop at branch level. The guidelines were presented at the PSSA Exco meeting, and were circulated to all YPG and branch representatives. The aim is to assist interns in preparation for their pre-registration examination and to market the PSSA to potential members.

Intern CPD workshop: The Pretoria branch YPG piloted a new project to assist interns with the CPD submissions. This initiative will assist the PSSA branches to guide, mentor, support and inspire young professionals. It is also an opportunity to serve the members and market the Society. YPG involved several young pharmacists from all branches to assist in the organisation of intern pre-registration workshops in all branches. These young pharmacists work closely with National and their branch chair according to guidelines developed by YPG.

Leadership project: This project was taken on by the young pharmacists of the Southern Gauteng branch and is still in its development phase.

Codeine Care Project: The Limpopo branch adopted this project, which they are currently developing.

CommunicationThe YPG made use of a number of different communications media. YPG Newsletter: Six newsletters were sent out since May 2016. Gawie Malan (Cape Western

Province) was the administrator, and will hand over to the newly elected Public Relations in July 2017.

YPG page in SAPJ: Each issue of the SAPC contains an YPG page. Information such as the call for projects, position descriptions for steering committee portfolios and call for applications for the professional innovation project were included. Mariet Eksteen prepared the submissions but this responsibility will also be handed to the Public Relations Officer.

PSSA Website: YPG has a link on the PSSA page where communication, application forms and other information is uploaded. Mariet Eksteen and Nitsa Manolis will assist YPG with this. The new Public Relations Officer will provide updated information to National.

YPG email: All general communication to YPG comes through the ypg@pharmail.co.za email address. Currently this is linked to Mariet Eksteen, but as soon as the new steering committee is elected, it will be linked to their email addresses. Mariet will continue to receive a copy of the emails, as she will be the PSSA staff member responsible for contact with the YPG.

Facebook: YPG communicated and marketed several events, information and activities to members through the PSSA YPG Facebook page. YPG also promoted events and activities from other branches and sectors and distribute information from other organisations such as FIP, FIP YPG, IPSF, WHO and ICPA on its page.

SECTOR REPORTS

ACADEMY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

It is an honour and a pleasure to report on the activities of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences since the PSSA AGM in 2016.

The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (APSSA) held their 37th Annual Conference and 38th Annual General Meeting at the All African Congress on Pharmacology and Pharmacy. The conference was jointly organised by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of South Africa (APSSA), the South African Society for Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (SASBCP) on behalf of Pharmacology for Africa (Pharfa) and the Toxicology Society of South Africa (ToxSA). The annual APSSA conference was hosted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology under the leadership of Dr Ilze Vermaak and was held from 5-8 October 2016 at Misty Hills Conference Centre, situated close to the Cradle of Humankind.

The 38th Academy AGM was held during conference 2016 during which a new Executive Committee was elected.

The Academy Executive Committee for the 2016-2018 term of office is: Chairman: Roderick B Walker (Rhodes)Vice Chairman: Gareth Kilian (NMMU)Past Chairman: Sandra van Dyk (NWU)Treasurer : Deanne Johnstone (Wits)Secretary : Ilze Vermaak (TUT)Portfolios: Kim Ward (UWC)

Ilse CukrowskiPSSA Liaison: Nitsa Manolis

Activities of the AcademyThe majority of activities of the Academy are focussed on encouraging the pursuit of excellence in academic endeavour and is heavily reliant on financial sustainability to provide ongoing support to these iniatives. Historically the Academy has relied on surplusses from conferences (that are becoming increasingly more expenisve) and sponsorhsips to achieve this objective. Over the last few years funding from conferences have shrunk and the Academy was at a point that it was not in a position to fund some of its activities. I am pleased to report that a healthy surplus was achieved from the 2016 meeting that permits us to support all our historical activities with immediate effect as we continue to work on financial sustainability models for the Academy.

We are reliant on sponsorships for a number of awards in which the Academy acknowledges excellence in research by awarding prizes at the annual conference. The Academy is grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for continued sponsorship of the ‘Young Scientist’ and ‘Best Publication’ awards. The 'Young Scientist' award is competed for in two categories, namely 'Pharmaceutical Sciences' and 'Pharmaceutical Practice'. The Academy is grateful to Johnson and Johnson who sponsor the ‘Pharmacy Teacher of the Year’ award.

To nurture excellence in undergraduate Teaching-Learning programmes the Academy continues to award, at each Institution presenting the BPharm, an engraved Academy medallion to the top Academic student in each year of the B.Pharm degree. The names of the winners are engraved on the Academy Award Board at each Institution.

As a further contribution to encouraging and supporting research in the pharmaceutical sciences the Academy will once again sponsor two FPE postgraduate bursaries.

The use of an electronic newsletter is a useful communication link with members and the Academy is grateful to PSSA for facilitating the publication of the electronic newsletter.

A key initiative of the Academy is to grow membership and ensure that future meetings provide agenda’s that have diverse appeal to the profession so as to contribute to the sustainability of the organisation. In this respect membership matters continue to be monitored.

In conclusion, it would be remiss of me not to remind the profession of the challenges facing Academic Pharmacy. We have been through some difficult times with #feesmustfall protest and more recently calls for transformation of all aspects of higher education. We are in for some tough financial times at our universities as funding for higher education becomes an issue. In this respect some institutions are under less pressure than others but we are all feeling the pinch. What this means for Pharmacy at institutions is yet to be elucidated. On a positive note the announcment that universities may become sites for CSP in 2018 is welcomed.

I would like to thank all members of the Executive, particulalry the Vice-Chair for picking up the reins, and keeping the Academy afloat whilst I have been unavailble. Finally the Academy executive committee members would like to voice their appreciation to PSSA and especially to Nitsa Manolis for continued assistance with administrative matters.

Roderick B WalkerChairman

SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS (SAACP)

It is a privilege to submit the following Sector Report on behalf of the SAACP. The report will highlight some of the activities of the SAACP during the period May 2016 to June 2017.

Four meetings, including the Annual General Meeting, were held during the period under consideration. Of particular importance is also the National Symposium for community pharmacists held for the first time in 2016.

66th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 1st National Symposium for community pharmacists of the SAACP took place on 13 and 14 May 2016.

The AGM, as with most AGMs, is normally a very business orientated event. It was therefore decided to schedule the AGM to coincide with the 1st National Symposium for Community Pharmacists in South Africa and thereby provide additional motivation for members to attend the AGM. Although SAACP is in the process of a strategic review of its structure and relevance it was disappointing that no innovative or ground-breaking resolutions / recommendations were adopted to pave the way forward in line with SAACP’s new Vision 2020 and its ensuing approach of “shaping the future of community pharmacists in South Africa”. Some of the resolutions / recommendations adopted are emphasised as it influenced, to a great extent, the activities of SAACP National during 2016.

Resolution 1/2016This 66th Annual General Meeting of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists requests the incoming National Executive Committee (NEC) to urgently investigate the restructuring of SAACP, including the NEC in line with the SAACP Vision 2020 approved by the NEC meeting in February 2016.

This resolution led to several proposed amendments to the SAACP Constitution which will serve at the SAACP AGM for approval / acceptance on 6 July 2017.

Recommendation 1/2016This 66th Annual General Meeting of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists requests the incoming National Executive Committee to revisit the delineation of functions between SAACP and ICPA.

Following the acceptance of the above-mentioned recommendation a meeting between SAACP and ICPA took place to discuss the matter and reach an amicable way forward. It was emphasised that duplication of effort could neither be afforded nor is it financially feasible. It was thus resolved that members of ICPA must address their concerns directly with ICPA and not use the SAACP NEC meetings for such purpose. ICPA was established to primarily deal with medical scheme matters and should be allowed to carry on doing so, whilst SAACP will focus more on professional matters relating to community pharmacists.

However, there will always be an overlap of some sort and it was decided that if and where such overlap occurs that the CEO of ICPA and the Executive Director of SAACP would deal with such situation in a collegial manner, in the best interest of community pharmacy and its patients / customers.

Recommendation 2/2016This 66th Annual General Meeting of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists supports the Healthman project in the following: Possible financial support by SAACP; To negotiate with medical schemes in terms of the payment of appropriate sustainable

fees to pharmacists as service providers.

Following various efforts to generate the required funds, it was agreed that there was currently no appetite for the funding of such a project and the Healthman project was shelved.

Recommendation 3/2016This 66th Annual General Meeting of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists agree in principle that a follow-up project should take place with regard to the results contained in the Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) report and that the SAACP NEC appoint a sub-committee to act on the results accordingly.

The SAACP NEC decided that the impact / acceptability / status of the HSF report should first be “tested” with the National Minister of Health (MOH) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). The report was therefore referred to the MOH and the SAPC with recommendations. The MOH acknowledged receipt but nothing further transpired.

The SAPC, however, resolved to appoint a Task Team to determine Terms of Reference for a possible investigation into the impact of lay ownership and whether, amongst others, the opening up of pharmacy ownership has led to the deterioration of pharmaceutical service delivery. The unfolding of this process is being awaited with much interest.

1st NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM FOR COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS

Much time and effort went into the organising of the 1st National Symposium for community pharmacists. Although the Symposium was also meant as additional motivation for members to attend the AGM, the primary goal of the Symposium was to be the second step in re-emphasising the relevance of SAACP as an Association representing the community pharmacist sector of the PSSA.

The attendance of the Symposium exceeded expectations and raised the question (at the time) whether such a Symposium should not be an annual event. The other three Sectors of the PSSA do have their own conferences annually and maybe it is time that SAACP should do the same?

It was in the meantime decided that SAACP must have its own National Symposium on an annual basis.

NEC MEETINGS: AUGUST 2016 – MARCH 2017

Restructuring of the NECThe restructuring of the SAACP NEC to not only have a more affordable but also better functioning NEC has been on the agenda since 2014. The first step was to change the name of the Association which was done successfully in 2015. The following steps would be to accept a new Vision, Mission, Values and Structure for the NEC to be in a position where members could identify with the Association (i.e. to warrant its existence).

Funding of the NEC to be able to meet expectations

The funding of the NEC to be able to meet expectations of members has been a very contentious issue for many years and is getting worse. Many projects at great costs, such as the establishment of a separate business unit called PharmaSA Network Ltd to endeavor to generate additional income for the NEC, have been tried over the years with limited, if any, success.

The NEC is currently, for most of its operational budget (i.e. no money for projects), dependent on the SAACP SG Branch. The charging of a voluntary sector levy has also been met with growing resistance. This matter will be pursued further during 2017 and the option of a new type of membership (i.e. not in competition with the PSSA) to create an additional income stream was also mentioned for further investigation.

Primary Care Drug Therapy (PCDT)

It seems that PCDT is currently gaining momentum and that section 22A(15) permits are being issued on a continuous basis by the NDoH. There is some “unhappiness” because the new terms and conditions of these permits restrict PCDT pharmacists to the STG/EML for primary health care as provided by NDoH.

Corporate pharmacies are also now seeing the benefits of having pharmacists employed as PCDT pharmacists and it is envisaged that these services will be advertised more aggressively by the corporates, as part of their “package of services / wellness programmes” There are currently approximately 150 PCDT pharmacists with permits on the SAACP list. The biggest challenge is the delay in the issuing of practice code numbers by BHF.International Conferences / Meetings / LiaisonPharmintercom, August 2016

The meeting was attended by the seven English speaking countries namely Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and hosted by the United States of America in the historic city of Boston. The attendees were the Presidents and CEOs of the community pharmacy Associations of the various countries. The agenda is determined by the hosting country, but during the presentation of the country reports any burning issues were addressed and attended to during the discussion. The value of sharing information and projects is of immense value to everybody attending. There were several

new persons present and also younger members with good vision who are also influential in pharmacy politics in their respective countries.

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)

The 76th International Congress of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 28 August to 1 September 2016. The event was attended by more than 2231 pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from 101 different countries. The theme for the Congress was “Reducing the global burden of disease – Rising to the challenge”. The delegation from South Africa consisted of 18 persons which included representatives from the Professional Associations, South African Pharmacy Council, Pharmacy Schools, the Young Pharmacists’ Group and Corporate Pharmacy.

The programme for the Congress was, as always, packed with worthwhile presentations and parallel sessions to provide something for everyone, depending on your field of expertise or interest. Presentations were complemented with a wide variety of (mostly) academic posters as part of the Exhibition at the Congress.

Establishment of a World Pharmacy Council LtdThe establishment of a World Pharmacy Council (WPC) was discussed during the Pharmintercom meeting in Boston in August 2016. South Africa (or SAACP) would be granted founder membership status. This process has been driven by the Pharmacy Guild in Australia. During an international teleconference held on 25 May 2017, the Constitution and By-laws of the WPC were approved / accepted.

In summary, the degradation of community pharmacy practice through the stranglehold of medical schemes on professional remuneration and the implementation of technology such as automated dispensing units, etc., need to be addressed on a ‘grand scale’ with the required funding to ensure that community pharmacists adequately continue to fulfill their current role within healthcare delivery but more so in a NHI system.

Jan du ToitSAACP Director

SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF HOSPITAL AND INSTITUTIONAL PHARMACISTS

Colleagues and friends!

2016 was a very interesting and active year for SAAHIP and for myself. I have since my last Annual report, attended 4 PSSA Exco meetings, We had a very successful SAAHIP Conference, where I was part of the Western Cape organising

committee, and were able to show a profit in these trying times! We have finalised the proposed Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) qualification

for pharmacist technicians. This now awaits sign-off at NDOH. I attended 3 meetings as part of the SAPC expert team to draft new competency standards for

pharmacists. This is now with the SAPC Training Committee for finalisation and will form the basis for the new curriculum for pharmacist training that will be completed in 2018.

Three SAAHIP Exco members attended a meeting with senior officials at National Workforce of the Department of Health to discuss the way forward with pharmacy technicians, specialist pharmacists and community service pharmacists, amongst other matters.

I attended the 76th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Buenos Aires Argentina 28 August to 1 September 2016, where the theme was “Rising to the Challenge: Reducing the global burden of disease”.

Firstly allow me to express my gratitude towards Western Cape Government: Health for allowing me to attend this very important conference and towards SAAHIP who delegated and funded me.

Aim of the 76th FIP CongressDuring the 2016 FIP Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists rose to the challenge to reduce the global disease burden.

The world todayOf the top 10 causes of death around the world, nine are diseases. Heart disease, stroke, HIV/AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, diabetes and diarrhoeal diseases are among this list. But the burden of disease is not just about the years of life lost due to death; it is also about years lost due to living in less than full health. As a result, there has been an effort to change from a sickness care model to a health model. Our role in improving the outcomes of treatments is the essence of the pharmacy profession and of pharmaceutical scientists. Creating, preparing and providing medicines is based on this role. Moving from a sickness model to a health model means that pharmacy is also now about disease prevention and health promotion.(From the FIP Congress 2016 programme)

Golden trendsDue to the structure of the congress with lectures and presentations, my choice of lectures attended was based on 1) Public-service related subjects 2) Hospital related subjects 3) Staff training and – management related subjects4) Management of chronic diseases 5) Health education/health literacy

There were four golden threads that emanated from all lectures and presentations attended: Clinical interventions by pharmacists Multi-disciplinary team approach Patient education and patient literacy Optimal utilisation of pharmacy support staff

Clinical interventions by pharmacists

To manage and reduce the growing burden of disease, it is critical that pharmacists should be utilised according to their higher level of training. At all service levels, pharmacists should utilise their clinical skills by evaluating patient prescriptions and affecting the necessary interventions to ensure improved outcomes. These interventions should be done at Primary Care level, up to Tertiary Care level and by all pharmacists.

Pharmacists are too scarce and expensive a resource to be wasted on picking and packing medicine and to be used as stock-managers!Antimicrobial stewardship should be a prime intervention by pharmacists at all levels. Rational medicines use and medicine use evaluations are key to cost saving and improving health outcomes, whilst critical prescription reviews of patient with a high medicine burden should be routine functions performed by pharmacists at all levels of care.

Multi-Disciplinary approach

None of the professions can continue to practice in a vacuum any longer. When a patient’s health is on the line, all professions need to work as a multi-disciplinary team, utilising the full set of skills in the team to improve patient outcomes and improve efficiencies in the health system.

All professions need to be cognisant of this and all need to give their full cooperation. For this to materialise, it will require leadership from within all our structures, especially at ground level.

Patient education and health literacy

The cornerstone of improved health outcomes is patient health literacy. As literacy in a country improves, so does social circumstances and health outcomes. Yet, there is huge gap between literacy and health literacy.

As an example: I may be a health professional, but if I meet with my financial advisor, the graphs he presents and the financial jargon used is way above my head, even though I am seen as a highly literate person. Health professionals need to keep in mind that not all literate persons are health literate!

Wonderful examples of health literacy interventions by pharmacists at school level were shown. This is within our reach and what better stage to intervene and improve health outcomes, than at school level.

Again, these interventions should be done as a multi-disciplinary team on a sustainable continuing basis.

Other examples of patient education for illiterate patients, using pictograms were shown. Excellent work in this regard is also done locally by Prof Ros Dowse and her team at UKZN, amongst others.

Utilising pharmacy support staff optimally

With the development and training of pharmacy support staff over the last decade, pharmacists were freed up to do the higher functions that their training enables them to do, leaving the picking and packing of prescriptions and the ordering and stock control to the new cadre of staff under their supervision.

It is now imperative that pharmacists must leave the work that these support staff are trained for to them and focus on improving patients outcomes by adding value to the touchpoints with patients.

The fact that all pharmacy support staff need to work under the supervision of a pharmacist does not mean that the pharmacist must check every single action they perform. They are qualified and registered staff who need to take responsibility for their own actions. The pharmacist must ensure the availability and active use of Standard Operating Procedures and adherence to them.

The pharmacist must interpret and evaluate every new prescription clinically, taking into account the patients state of disease, comorbidities, allergies and all relevant factors, before allowing the support staff to dispense the prescription.

The pharmacist should also ensure that new patients are properly counselled on their medicine, side effects and the patient’s personal responsibility for their health at the first interface, but for chronic prescriptions this may not always be required and the pharmacist should then focus on patients who defaulted from treatment or unstable patients who need intensive counselling and support.

SummaryI firmly believe that now is the most opportune time to rise to the challenge and affect the changes that are required to manage the rising burden of disease. It will require innovative changes to our current practise, taking pharmacists towards a much more clinical level of practice, for the sake of our patients.

I also attended: PSSA Conference A very informative SAPC Conference in 2016 The FIP Conference on Pharmacy Education in Nanjing China where the 55 Nanjing

Statements on Pharmacy Training were accepted. A summary of the Statements is available on the FIP website

Was able to attend 5 of the Branch AGMs ( W Cape, E Cape, S Gauteng, KZN Inland and KZN Coastal)

Our Past President Stéphan Möller attended the Northern Gauteng AGM on my behalf

During 2016 SAAHIP established 3 new Work Groups to give extensive input into the NHI Work-Stream 3: Ideal Clinic (Public and Private Sectors) National Core Standards (Public and Private Sectors) Staffing Norms for Pharmacy (Public and Private Sectors)

The draft document will be released to branches for comment early in 2017.

Work Groups continued from previous years: Policies Communication Conference Clinical

SAAHIP Exco appointed a committee to hold interviews to appoint a Director for SAAHIP (4/8 post). This post was filled and the successful candidate, Boitumelo Ntsoane, started work on 1 June.

I also attended and presented at a NHI workshop that was organised by Southern Gauteng PSSA Branch, where Dr Anban Pillay was the main speaker. This was very informative and opened doors for pharmacists who are willing to contribute to and participate in Universal Health Access.

SAAHIP Exco held a Strategic Planning Workshop at Lynnwood Conference Centre on Saturday 27 May to plan for the year ahead.

We stand at the end of the old year, facing a new one with new challenges!To my mind, we should in 2017 focus on strengthening SAAHIP’s ties with other professional bodies and negotiate with Unions, to position ourselves to better represent our members and to ensure that we are seen as professionals and not merely as professional support!

It will take wisdom and expert negotiating skills from SAAHIP Exco and we will need support and guidance from our members who are experienced and well versed in this field.

If you are willing to contribute in any of the SAAHIP activities, please inform us via your Branch Chair!

ThanksA huge word of thanks to the Conference Organising Committee (Western Cape Branch), for organising conference for two years. What a journey it has been! Thanks for making conference a learning experience and a memorable event!

We also wish the new committee (Northern Cape) all of the best with the huge challenge of organising Conference 2018!

I wish to thank SAAHIP Presco, Exco and all our members for the hard work put into our profession. It is a selfless service, often not seen by others, but is makes an impact on the direction and the outcome of our professional endeavours.

Thank YOU!

Joggie HattinghPresident

SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACISTS IN INDUSTRY

I hereby submit this Annual Report on behalf of SAAPI to the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa for the period 2016 – 2017.

Executive Summary: 2016 – 2017 SAAPI experienced an exciting and eventful 2016 – 2017 term. SAAPI’s Continuing Professional Development programme (CPD) again proved to be important towards training opportunities for its members and SAAPI hosted 11 successful CPD events.

Several articles were submitted for publication during 2016 and 2017 by SAAPI members.

The Annual Congress of SAAPI, with a theme “Success through Synergy” held in April 2016, hosted an excellent field of international and national speakers. SAAPI hosted a successful Annual General meeting in February 2017, with Dr Jeanette Lotter from the Medicine Control Council as invited Speaker. The newly elected Executive Committee for 2017/8 was also announced during the AGM. SAAPI is most grateful for the contributions of the immediate past-president of SAAPI, Yolanda Peens. The remarkable efforts of the outgoing Executive Committee are sincerely appreciated and the SAAPI members are already benefiting from the contributions of the incoming Executive Committee.

Governance and Executive CommitteeSAAPI Annual General Meeting February 9, 2017Attendees at the AGM were treated to a dynamic presentation by Dr Jeanette Lotter, who reflected on the changes at MCC, in view of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority envisaged to commence in the second half of 2017. The topic generated enthusiasm and lively discussions. The newly elected SAAPI Executive Committee was announced during the AGM.

The Executive Committee as of 30 April 2017 is as follows:

Valerie Beaumont Lindie MarxEsthi Beukes Walter MbathaLeanne Blumenthal Douglas OliverMario Botha Carin ArchibaldTammy Chetty Lynette TerblancheGodfrey Keele Ralph Tettey-Amlalo

SAAPI Executive Committee Meeting Elected Office Bearers of SAAPI 2017:President: Douglas OliverVice President: Godfrey KeeleTreasurer: Ralph Tettey-Amlalo

SAAPI is most grateful for the remarkable contributions of the immediate past-president of SAAPI, Yolanda Peens. SAAPI expresses sincere appreciation for outstanding service to Lynette Terblanche, who has served as Treasurer for several terms.

Executive DirectorMiranda Viljoen went on retirement during 2016 after 9 years of excellent service to SAAPI as Executive Director. Miranda’s contributions to establish and grow the CPD programme has been outstanding and SAAPI greatly appreciates these and other notable actions to promote and advance SAAPI.

Tammy Maitland-Stuart has been appointed as Executive Director as of 1 July 2017. SAAPI is delighted to welcome Tammy to grow and advance SAAPI to new heights. Tammy will bring leadership, a wealth of experience and creativity to the programmes of SAAPI. Val Beaumont, thank you for steering the appointment process.

International InteractionSAAPI has initiated discussions with the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), a Society with similar activities as SAAPI. SAAPI is keen to establish expert exchange relationships to support SAAPI activities and to expand SAAPI’s interests beyond our borders to Africa and internationally.

LegislationSAAPI has during 2016/7 made significant contributions towards legislation development in the fields of Pharmacy and Regulatory Affairs. Comments regarding regulations for the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), medical devices and complementary medicine were of the key contributions. Lindie Marx, SAAPI’s appreciation for your leadership with these processes.

Congress 2016SAAPI Annual Congress: Theme “Success through Synergy” The SAAPI Annual Congress held in April 2016 hosted an excellent field of international and national speakers. The presentations from speakers of World Health Organisation, Medicines Control Council and from Industry as well as Academia covered an array of important topics on National Health Insurance, Regulatory Sciences and harmonisation, medical devices, data management and integrity.

World Health Organisation (WHO) 17th International Congress of Drug Regulatory AuthoritiesSAAPI has been most active during the recent WHO International Congress. SAAPI was congratulated on being extremely visible at the 17th WHO ICDRA in Cape Town as a first-time exhibitor and in two years’ time SAAPI will endeavour to attend the 18th ICDRA conference which will be held in Ireland.

Continuing Professional Development SAAPI hosted a number of exciting CPD workshops during 2016 – 2017 for SAPPI

members and PSSA community pharmacists. These training sessions are important to bring new developments in the Industry and Regulatory Sciences and key applications in the pharmacy to pharmacists and related professionals.

Topics presented included amongst others: GMP requirements for HVAC Systems Preparing to be the "Responsible" in Responsible Pharmacist Advertising Marketing and the Marketing Code Validation and Qualification Section 21 application INCB and permits

Participation at PSSA Recognition: Pat Smith and Dougie Oliver (Executive members of SAAPI) were welcomed as Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa in May 2016 during the Gala Dinner of the SAACP Conference.

SAAPI values the support we receive from the Southern Gauteng branch in respect of our office and administration. SAAPI is currently represented on the Southern Gauteng Branch committee by Godfrey Keele.

Articles and Reports PSSA marketing survey presented by Yolanda Peens NHI/Universal access presented by Val Beaumont The industry gatekeepers in providing quality, safe and efficacious medicines: Dougie

Oliver A proud moment on the journey of a pharmacist: Fellow of PSSA by Dougie Oliver

AcknowledgementsSAAPI Executive committee and SAAPI members for their valuable contributions in various capacities to represent and advance SAAPI.

Dougie OliverPresident

BRANCH REPORTS

BORDER AND EASTERN DISTRICTS

On behalf of the PSSA Border and Eastern Districts Branch I would like to extend greetings and send regards from the Branch. The last 12 months since the last AGM have been filled with activities, the biggest highlight being the regional conference held on 10 and 11September 2016.The event was our Border and Eastern Districts conference with the theme being “Recreating passion for our profession”. The regional conference was a success and well received by our delegates. Indeed the passion for our profession of our delegates was ignited and recreated with the very inspirational list of amazing speakers. The event refreshed, re-energised, restored, renewed, recreated, remembered and revived our passion for our profession. An electronic photo album (in DVD format) is also available.

We have now officially launched and rolled-out our beautiful PSSA-branded clothing (e.g. golf shirts, body warmers and caps) to excite the members and market the PSSA to our fellow pharmacists. As a branch we would embrace any idea of a national roll-out PSSA-branded clothing if need be.

Due to the logistical challenges, holding face to face meetings have been a challenge but thanks-be to technology that has made the world smaller. Conveying of messages and distributing of information as well as discussing issues is done through electronic media mainly.

We are also in the process of bettering our relationship with Rhodes University Pharmacy Department as it is an institution that nurtures our regional young leaders as we want to attract students and promote the PSSA to them.

We are in the process of engaging with the Eastern Cape Department of Health as we believe that the PSSA has a critical role to play in contributing towards better health care of all in the province. This will create an opportunity for accessing information especially regarding the national health insurance now called universal access.

I would also like to thank our branch Executive committee members, Taki Kyriacos, Tony Haig-Smith, Siviwe Ganqa and Janine de Villiers for their continued contributions and sacrifices in ensuring that we remain relevant to our members while promoting and protecting our profession.

Mr Taki Kyriacos has been a mentor to me and his continued love for the profession and society is a huge motivation and inspiration. As a young, energetic leader I feel humbled and honoured by the opportunity that was granted upon me by my branch and my main focus has always been more on purpose than the position.

Let us continue protecting and promoting our profession with passion and participation to impact our patients (and fellow pharmacists) positively.

“Source of vision is inspiration, source of inspiration is passion, source of passion is purpose, source of purpose is divine intervention” – Dr Myles Munroe

Yours in PharmacySimbongile PambukaBorder and Eastern Districts Branch Leader

CAPE MIDLANDS

This year Peter Giltrow, who had been our Chairman for a number of years, stepped down and Johan Swart was nominated and elected as the new Chairman of our Branch. Cheryl Stanton, daughter of Past President Clive Stanton, was elected Vice Chairman.

We have always been fortunate in having representatives from all the sectors on our committee which makes for interesting meetings and gives insight into the problems and activities of those sectors.

In September 2017 Bertie Kommel who has always shown enthusiasm and interest in all matters pharmaceutical will have been a member of the Pharmaceutical Society for SIXTY years. He is also a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society. Quite a feat and this milestone will be celebrated accordingly by our Branch. He is an accomplished speaker and is often called upon to open our Continuing Professional Development evenings and this he does with aplomb.

It is regrettable that the number of pharmacists attending our CPD evenings has decreased, however they are supported well by interns as this is a requirement for them. We have now chosen two topics which differ from those we have normally presented (and which to a large extent are dictated by the sponsors) namely one on Good Manufacturing Practice Compliance and Auditing presented by a consultant pharmacist, Rob Stewart and The Influence of Corporatisation on the Professional Identity of the Pharmacist which will be presented by pharmacist Nomachina Kubashe, who recently obtained her Doctorate and lectures at our University.

Two of our members also obtained their doctorates recently, Jane McCartney who is a lecturer at NMMU and Razia Gaida who is the representative of the Young Pharmacists’ Group in our area.

Dr Andrew Crichton addressed the National Executive meeting recently and outlined steps to improve the placement of community service pharmacists for 2018. As the difficulty of allocating placements has caused great consternation I hope that this will lead to elimination of the stress to interns. It is also hoped that these young pharmacists will be placed in clinics and hospitals where they are sorely needed, and not in community pharmacies which was not the intention of this year of compulsory service. In addition this is a government requirement but this arrangement results in the private sector paying the salaries for this year.

In conclusion I would like to say there is a certain honour and dignity in belonging to a professional body and this should be upheld and valued by those commencing their career.

Mellis MoorcroftBranch Director

CAPE WESTERN PROVINCE

In this report we highlight some of the activities of the Branch previously fully reported on in the December 2016 edition of Tincture Press.

Education and ResearchCPD lectures were held regularly. Topics included: PPS information evenings were held in George and Cape Town A labour law workshop by Gerald Jacobs titled “Handling Grievances at Work” was held. A workshop on “Accidental Poisoning” by Linda Curling was held A CPD event at which SAAHIP Branch members who had presented at the SAAHIP

Conference repeated their presentations for the benefit of Branch membersParticipating members were issued with certificates of attendance.

Involvement with UWC Pharmacy School included: student loans (CPPSA Student Loan Fund), two FPE bursaries, prizes for deserving students and a Pharmacist’s Oath Taking Ceremony for graduates and sponsorship of membership of FIP. Profs Malan, Butler and Dr Kim Ward serve on the Branch Committee and Dr Renier Coetzee on the SAAHIP committee.

Communication and LiaisonCommunication with members was maintained through the Tincture Press, the PSSA website, faxing/e-mailing and broadcast SMS’s. Members receive an electronic version of Tincture Press, including a number of members living overseas. Other liaison activities included: Aadila Patel (immediate Past Chairperson of the Branch) represents the PSSA on the

Board of Directors of MedicAlert who use our boardroom for their quarterly Board meetings.

The Director attends the Public Private Health Forum meetings called by the Provincial DoH, all PSSA Nat Exco meetings and serves on the Constitution sub-committee. The Director represents the PSSA National office at various meetings/events in Cape Town when called upon to do so.

Membership and marketingMembership is encouraged on occasions such as CPD workshops, the SAAHIP/PGWC Intern Awards, and workshops for interns on community service. Non-members seeking advice and services from the Director, are also asked to join as members. Our membership continues to grow and now exceeds 1400 members.

Community Service workshopAll interns were invited to an orientation workshop held at Pharmacy House conducted by Denise Frieslaar, (PGWC: Policy Specialist HR). The purpose of the evening was to identify and address the concerns of the interns regarding community service.

Training workshops for Interns and Community Service PharmacistsThe Western Cape DOH made use of our facilities to conduct their training workshops for their interns and community service pharmacists. On both occasions a spokesperson from the Society was afforded the opportunity to address the attendees on the benefits of joining the Society.

The local YPG group chaired by Gawie Malan contributes actively to the national group. Workshops had been planned to assist interns in preparation for their exams.

Member benefits and servicesServices provided by the office include:

• Labour Relations consultancy – provided nationally. Members are advised and referred to our labour lawyer, Gerald Jacobs, for free telephonic advice. Gerald conducts labour law workshops and provides guidelines

• Legal assistance on practice or ethical issues• Practice information, promotional material, guidelines and patient information leaflets• Liaison with SAPC and DoH• Intervention in patient/pharmacist disputes• Notification of stolen/fraudulent prescriptions• Reference books and professional indemnity insurance

ConstitutionThe Director serves as the designated officer for the National Constitution sub-committee. Work done in this regard over the past year includes:• Proposed amendments and corrections to the PSSA Constitution• Advice on proposed changes to the SAACP Constitution

Professional PracticeAn important aspect of the work of the Director, Mr Black, is to assist members with professional practice matters. This service is available to all members throughout the country and includes: Practice information, guidelines and patient information leaflets. PSSA Website – a number of the articles published from “My Little Black Book of Pharmacy

Practice” by the Director are available in the Practice Info section on the PSSA website,www.pssa.org.za, these are regularly revised and updated

Queries and Requests – the Director personally deals with numerous requests from members for assistance or information on professional practice matters. Telephonic queries are followed by written confirmation which includes reference sources and relevant guidelines.

Community Pharmacist SectorActivities included: Mr Donald Black was re-elected as Chairman of SAACP (CWP) Branch Mr PJ le Roux serves on the SAACP Presco committee as the Past President

SAAHIP Western CapeA successful AGM was held on 14 October 2016 at Pharmacy House at which Ms Colleen Whitelaw was re-elected as the Chairperson. The SAAHIP President, Mr Joggie Hattingh, was the guest of honour. Ms Whitelaw introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Dr Wayne Kleintjes, Head of the Adult Burns Unit at Tygerberg Hospital.

Other activities included: SAAHIP/PGWC Intern Awards – the winner, Nicol Hoffman was sponsored to attend and

present at SAAHIP Conference 2017. She was the winner of the Best Podium presentation at Conference.

The SAAHIP WC Branch was responsible for organising SAAHIP Conference 2017. This was successfully achieved by a special committee chaired by Ronel Boshoff with administrative assistance from the Branch office. A number of Branch members presented at the Conference. Dr R Coetzee was the co-recipient (with Andy Gray) of the Best Academic presentation Award at SAAHIP Conference 2017.

Social responsibility – Bhavna Harribhai is the driver of the Branch’s social responsibility programme which is to support Leliebloem Child and Young Care Centre. Aleta Wege organised donations of over R20 000 for Operation Smile Foundation.

SAAPI Western CapeAadila Patel represents SAAPI on the Branch Committee and keeps members well informed of all matters affecting the industry.

Academy of Pharmaceutical SciencesThe Academy is represented on the Branch Committee by Dr Kim Ward.

In conclusionIn the CWP Branch all Sectors of the Society are active, well represented on the Branch Committee and work positively to achieve the objects of the Society. We wish all delegates a productive and successful AGM.

Donald BlackChairperson

FREE STATE

The PSSA FS has seen a lot of changes during the last quarter with 2 Exco members relocating to either other provinces or divisions within pharmacy.

It saddens us that one of our key Exco members, Deon Schoeman (Jnr), left us for the Eastern Province. He was one of the newly formed committee members by the old PSSA FS Structure and will be greatly missed.

Lean Viljoen took on a representative post with a pharmaceutical company.

Our deepest condolences goes out to Mr Pep Manolis on his passing, he was a great example for us and also played a big role in the formation of the newly formed PSSA FS structure. Pharmacy will miss you greatly.

CPDsDuring this period (March till May), we held 2 extremely successful CPDs and despite the harsh Free State weather, had record numbers attending these CPDs.At one of these CPDs (open to pharmacists, assistants, doctors and nurses), one of the doctors came to me and asked me if he could rather enrol with our CPDs seeing that they were not such a close group as our pharmacists and that our CPDs were of much more value than theirs.

On one of the CPD evenings it was decided that we were going to have our next CPD on Antibiotic classification and the indication thereof. It struck me that we were producing pharmacists on varsity level that struggle with the everyday dispensing and classification of drugs (sulphas, quinolones etc.) and that there is a lot of room for us PSSA FS to invest in pharmacists through pharmacists. I will be holding this CPD with my pharmacological background.

Medical AidsDuring our quarterly meeting with one of the medical aids, it became clear to me that we as pharmacists are being targeted and that it is more difficult for a private pharmacy to earn a living – the changing medical DSP environment is favouring one side of pharmacy for chronic dispensing. This has to be looked into sooner than later.

We want to applaud the PSSA and ICPA with the interaction with the Minister of Health and believe that this is a step in the right direction.

Conference design and dates PSSA FS wanted to send our whole committee to conference 2017, but this was not possible due to 2 relocations within our branch Exco; Martli Mocke has PhD modules to complete as well as the fact that the conference is being held during school holidays. The latter makes it difficult for most to attend seeing that most pharmacists have family

responsibilities and could not leave work due to other pharmacists going on leave. We were able to send 3 Exco members to conference 2017.

We ask that the next conference be held out of school holidays then more people will be able to attend.

Blenn Eagar

KWAZULU-NATAL COASTAL

The 2016 Branch Committee members are: Patrick O’Donoghue – Chairman – Community Evan Lapin – Hon. Treasurer – CommunityDesigen Moodley (Des) – Immediate Past Chairman – CommunityMaria Borrageiro – CommunityGregory Poole – CommunityRussell Coote – IndustryIan Parker – IndustryKhadija Seedat – HospitalKavir Maharaj – HospitalKaajal Chetty – Hospital

Only one of the two National Executive Committee Members for 2016 has been appointed and that is Paddy O’Donoghue.

SAPC IssuesThe KZN Coastal Branch is represented by an attorney who has contacted the Council for information on a number of issues that are causing pharmacists unnecessary expense and inconvenience. The apparent spurious complaints and fines are being challenged. Pharmacists are asked to contact the Branch if they feel that the complaints against them are unfair. A ‘virtual committee’ has been set up to deal with the complaints that are received. There appears to be some reluctance by affected pharmacists to object to, and to contest the allegations because of the high costs that would be incurred in their accommodation and travel to do so.

Control of sale of scheduled medicinesThe sale and supply of many scheduled medicines, and counterfeit and complementary medicines is still a major problem despite the efforts of the Medicines Control Council to stem the source of these products. Pharmacists are regularly being asked to supply items such as ‘Cannabis oil’ by members of the public. Many foreign owned shops, which are not pharmacies, are offering a wide range of these products with impunity. Pharmacists have been threatened by the purveyors of these products and are afraid to complain about this practice as there is reluctance on the part of the SA Police to deal with these complaints.

SAACP KZNThis Branch of the SAACP has continued to correspond via the Internet with Mr Johannes Swanepoel as their National Executive Committee member.

SAAHIP KZN CoastalThis Branch has arranged CPDs and intern meetings at Pharmacy House during the year.

Bursaries

The recipients of the LF Wood undergraduate bursaries are Ms F Moosa (UKZN) and Ms Mariam Sayed (Rhodes) and the recipients of the Ambler Brothers Bursaries are Ms Kajal Mohanlal (UKZN) and Mr Lason Govender (UKZN).

The LF Wood and Ambler Brothers bursaries are now only offered as undergraduate bursaries.

Brian Seymour AwardThe 2016 Brian Seymour Award was awarded to Ms Elizna Schutte at a function held on 19 November 2016. Ms Schutte was nominated by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University of Port Elizabeth. The Awards function was held at the Durban Country Club and the President of the Society, Prof Sarel Malan and his wife, were honoured guests. This was the first Awards function held at the Durban Country Club. Mr Andy Gray made the presentation of this Branch’s most prestigious award in the presence of Brian Seymour’s son, Noel. Previous Awardees were invited and many attended.

During the interviews of the nominees, emphasis was placed on membership of the PSSA and Young Pharmacists’ Group. These talented pharmacists were also encouraged to get involved in their PSSA Branch Committees.

CPDsThe KZN Coastal Branch of SAAHIP have made use of the Branch premises for their CPD functions and have arranged a successful pharmacist intern meeting.

UKZN Students BallThe Branch sponsored the 2016 Students Ball to the amount of R5000, which is budgeted for annually. Mr Kavir Maharaj, the Branch member on the Young Pharmacists Group, keeps contact with the students and is invited to the Students Ball where he also encourages membership of the Society.

ObituaryMr Andries Pretorius

Des MoodleyChairmanMPUMALANGA

From our side in Mpumalanga, there is nothing to report this time. We will be hosting meetings next quarter, but for now, during the cold and long winter nights we have nothing to report on.

Francois van der WaltBranch chair

NORTH WEST

The Branch Committee for 2016/2017 was: Chairperson: Dr Helanie Lemmer Vice chair: Mr Nico Scheepers Secretary: Dr Mariet Eksteen Treasurer: Ms Rachelle Derksen SAAHIP representative: Mrs Yvette Joubert SAACP representative: Mrs Christel ScheepersAcademy representative: Prof Sandra van Dyk PCDT representative: Mr André Oosthuizen

YPG representative: Ms Trizel du ToitPASV representative: Mr Muller Terblanche (until May 2016)

Ms Karla Ferreira 2016/2017

Branch Committee Activities for 2016/2017

Committee meetingsThe committee had several teleconference meetings during their elected period. These meetings were held as follows: 14 June 2016, 2 August 2016, 12 October 2016, 30 November 2016 and 25 January 2017.The fact that meetings are scheduled between 13:00 and 14:00 works well in that meetings are kept short and only important issues are discussed.

Conferences, CPD and sponsorshipsA very successful Intern Day was hosted by the branch together with our YPG representatives, on 18 July 2016. Three lecturers of the NWU helped the interns to prepare for the upcoming pre-registration exam by addressing the three main sections of the Intern Pre-registration Examination namely Laws and Ethics, Clinical/Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Calculations.

The branch strives to improve the participation and involvement of all our current members.Four SAAHIP affiliated members (private and public) attended the SAAHIP conference (23-26 March 2017) of which two were sponsored by the branch. Two other members of the NW branch also attended the conference as observers.

Two PSSA NW affiliated members were sponsored to attend the PSSA Conference to be held on 6-8 July 2017.

Five CPD events were held in conjunction with other parties: The NW branch was one of the sponsors of the Annual Symposium on Diseases

Relevant to South Africa which was held at the North-West University on 17-19 August 2016 which provided pharmacists and other health professionals with numerous CPD sessions

A CPD event was held on 12 September 2016 on Vaccines, presented by Aspen in Brits An information sharing evening was held on 14 September 2016 on “Are all milks the

same?” presented by Nestlé in Potchefstroom A Basic Woundcare Course was presented along with our branch AGM on 29 March

2017. The sponsor of the CPD speaker was BSN Medical A Mylan HIV-specific CPD event was held in Rustenburg on 17 May 2017

Membership The NW branch received the membership trophy at the SAAHIP Conference held in March 2017.

Our branch had the biggest increase in SAAHIP membership. The NW branch had 192 paid-up ordinary members on 31 January 2017.

FinancialsThe branch’s financial situation is stable.

The PSSA’s North-West Branch does not have a permanent office from which business can be conducted. It was decided that the bank account should be registered in the name of the chairperson; the chairperson’s residential address will therefore be used as the official address of the PSSA’s North-West Branch for FICA purposes. It is very difficult and time-consuming to transfer the account each term should a new Treasurer be appointed and the account will henceforth stay registered on the name of the chairperson, until he/she steps down and a new chairperson takes over the responsibilities.

Branch Committee for 2017/2018:Chairperson: Dr Helanie Lemmer Vice chair: Mr Nico Scheepers Secretary: Ms Marlize Thiart Treasurer: Dr Righard LemmerSAAHIP representative: Mrs Yvette Joubert SAACP representative: Mrs Christel ScheepersAcademy representative: Prof Sandra van Dyk PCDT representative: Mr André OosthuizenYPG representative: Ms Tendai MutabeniPASV representative: Ms Karla Ferreira 2016/2017 (elections in Nov 2017)

Helanie LemmerChairman

PRETORIA

Pretoria Branch committee for 2017:Michele Coleman (Chair) Wandisile GrootboomJoe Ravele (Vice) Evans MagezaChristine Venter (Treasurer) Christine TruterGill Enslin (Secretary) Stéphan Möller (Co-opted member)Morné Adamson (Past Chair) Eugene Olivier (Academic representative)Danie Brink Enos Maluleke (SAAHIP representative)Geoffrey Adamson F Ngobeni (YPG representative)

Ria Pretorius T Motha (YPG representative)Morné van Eck ME Shabalala (Student representative)Boitumelo Ntsoane

CPDs 20175 CPDs have already taken place in 2017 with another 4 CPDs planned for the rest of the year. Our CPDs have remained well attended and appreciated by the Pretoria members and with our Sectors involvement, the events have been well planned and sponsors have been pleased with their participation.

Young Pharmacists’ GroupWorking with the students and interns at SMU and TUT has proved to be a popular endeavour. CPD Workshops on the Competency Standards are currently being piloted within the branch in an effort to ensure potential candidates are introduced to the benefits of the PSSA at a student and intern level. This is another marketing effort that has been embarked on by the branch to introduce these potential long term PSSA members.

Pharmacy Week Success of 2016The event took place 10 September 2016 starting from 09h00 and ending at about 15h00. Screening of blood pressure, blood glucose levels and BMI were done and together with the screening, the necessary counselling regarding the results was done as well as the correct use of medication. FDP also came on board with their mobile unit doing HIV testing and counselling.

Pharmacy Month Planning for 2017Pharmacy week has become Pharmacy Month; the theme is “Vaccines “with the slogan “Protect Yourself, Protect your Family, Protect your Community”.

The Branch will be planning weekly drives for Pharmacy Month where we will target people and family’s needs for each week, providing a strategic plan for marketing; who needs vaccinations, at what age, when boosters are needed, etc. to promote the initiative.

YPG will be working with us in our Pharmacy Month efforts, as this years’ theme coincides with the outreach projects and one of the Master’s degree student’s topic for 2017.

Our branch AGM is set for 26 October 2017.

The Pretoria Branch’s 72nd Annual Banquet is set for 4 November and will be held at The Pretoria Country Club Ball Room.

Michéle ColemanChairman

SOUTHERN GAUTENG

The Nominations/Elections for the new Branch Committee for the 2017 period took place during November/December 2016. The Short Messaging System that we have developed over recent years turned the previous laborious two month process into a simple, quick, efficient and cost effective system that provides results in a matter of days.

The outcome of the above resulted in the election of the following six members:Committee MembersCharles CawoodFrans Landman Sybil SeokaLynette TerblancheVal Beaumont James Meakings

The following members were then elected by the Committee to hold office:Lynette Terblanche – ChairmanFrans Landman – Vice ChairmanJames Meakings – Treasurer

Sector RepresentativesCPS – Tshifhiwa Rabali and Richard BarrySAAPI – Yolande Peens and Godfrey KeeleSAAHIP – Jacqui Fox and Jocelyn ManleyAcademia – Prof. Paul Danckwerts and Deanne JohnstonIn addition, the President of the Wits Pharmacy Students Council, Ms Shanice van Schalkwyk, is invited to attend all meetings of the Branch Committee.

Branch AGMThe Branch Annual General Meeting was held at Glen Hove on 23 January 2017. The meeting was preceded by the opening of a new exhibit in the National Pharmacy Museum, namely a replica of a turn of the 19th/20th Century pharmacy which has since attracted much attention. The exhibit was made possible by generous donations from Kari Silver, the daughter of Cecil Abramson, in memory of her father and from our friends at Aspen Pharmaceuticals.

Branch Committee Objectives for the yearMajor projects that the Branch Committee embarked on for the current year and possibly beyond are, the ongoing social responsibility programme that involves a joint venture with Wits Pharmacy School providing medical and pharmaceutical services to the street children and the homeless in the Braamfontein area, closer interaction with the Wits. Pharmacy Students Council, a project designed to inform members of their possible roles in a Government funded NHI environment. In this regard a well-attended presentation on the subject was arranged in November and further presentations are planned for the future as things develop in this environment. Our well received series of CPD events continues to be presented regularly. In regard to this last objective we are currently investigating an exciting option to make access to CPD much simpler and more convenient for members living in more remote areas.

National Pharmacy MuseumThe opening of the historic pharmacy exhibit was the highlight of the year. Much planning went into this exhibit to display the valuable pharmacy artifacts that we have had for some time, in an environment in which they would have been used over 100 years ago. Mr. Ray Pogir continues to act as the Curator of the Museum and maintains an avid interest in our pharmacy heritage.

EducationWe continue to fund two FPE bursaries every year that are awarded to pharmacy students studying at Wits, and we also make a number of prizes available for deserving pharmacy students studying at Wits. This year the Prize Giving Ceremony was held on 5 April at which Chairman, Mrs Lynette Terblanche was on hand to personally present our prizes to the recipients. In January we once again hosted a group of close on 100 students from Wits, gave them a guided tour of the Pharmacy Museum as well as addressing them on aspects of the Society and the importance of membership.

In March we hosted a group of students from the technical college in Botswana who are studying to become pharmacy technicians. The programme included a presentation on modern pharmaceutical manufacturing followed by a guided tour of the National Pharmacy Museum. Their visit forms part of a tour of a number of pharmaceutical facilities in and around Johannesburg that is intended to broaden their pharmaceutical knowledge in general. In May/June we will provide something similar for visiting pharmacy students from Medunsa.

The Golden MortarUnder the chairmanship of David Sieff the Editorial Board of the Branch newsletter continues to provide regular articles and information of interest to members. Each edition is e-mailed to Branch members, Directors of PSSA Branches and is also placed on the PSSA website where it remains for easy access to all members.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD including Sector Workshops)The following sessions were held or planned for the period of June 2016 to June 2017 inclusive:

2016 Clinical CPDsJune: Managing the NewbornJuly: Latest Developments in the Management of HIVSeptember: GORD and other Common Upper GI Tract conditionsOctober: Contraception – An Update for PharmacistsNovember: Management of Gout

2017 Clinical CPDsFebruary: A Dieticians Professional Assessment of Various Popular DietsMarch: Parkinson’s Disease – its pathophysiology and where medication actsApril: Advances in the Management of Asthma

Planned for:May: Irritable Bowel Syndrome – How to Recognise and How to ManageJune: Common Ear Complaints – Their Management in the Pharmacy

Sector WorkshopsMarch: SAACP – How PCDT can add value to your pharmacy’s bottom line

Doug GordonBranch Director