Antidote Vol0 Issue 1

Antidote magazine

Hilton Stevens:

His first Presidential address

Why consider a

masters degree?

Branch connection

SAPSF United

The Project Unfolds

What went down in

Durban?

The Miracle Train

2

CONTENTS

3-Editorial note

4-Presidential address

5– Death of a profession

7- SAPSF in pictures

8-Student Exchange Interview

12- fashion@thepharm

18-Phelophepha Experience

21-Branch connection

37-Word is…

SOUTH AFRICAN PHARMACEUTICAL STUDENTS’ FEDERATION SUID-AFRIKAANSE APTEKERSTUDENTEFEDERASIE

3


Imagine a world, a world where pharmacy stu-

dents speak in one voice... Imagine SAPSF.

Venturing into Research or acquiring a masters’

degree in pharmacy i.e. Pharmacology, Pharma-

ceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacy

Practice etc is seen as a waste of time by the ma-

jority. Exactly who is mandated to venture into

research if not pharmacy graduates? Take a walk

with Mr Tendai Madidi and learn more about the

importance of Research.

Am I healthy? “Know yourself” is the theme for

this year’s SAPSF United project. The Vice Presi-

dent unfolds the project in this publication.

Branch connection updates you on what is happen-

ing at the pharmacy school next door. Check out

SAPSF in pictures; take a look see at the previous

conference. Mr.Onke Mazibuko, the Health Care

train (Phelophepa) manager takes us on a history

tour of the miracle train in an exclusive interview.

In another interview, Ms Mary Chindanyika utters

all to those interested in joining the Student ex-

change program before she heads off to spicy In-

dia.

This years’ highly awaited conference promises to

take SAPSF to the next level. All roads definitely

lead to the history rich Grahamstown this winter.

See you there.

Be the change you want to see in Pharmacy.

Akwandze (Progress) Selby Masuku (Editor)

Email me at [email protected]

A special thank you to Mpho Maesela for his enor-

mous contribution to the success of this publica-

tion.

Editor’s Note

4

Dear Pharmacy students

Firstly congratulations are in order to you, the South-African

pharmacy students. Being part of this federation has taught me

that no other profession has students as involved in the heath

science and contributes to their community, as much as our

students. Any organization is only as strong as the functional

units that drive it. The vision of its leadership is vain if they are

not held accountable by its members, as well as its stakeholders,

something that was strongly evident in the past term. My wish

for the next short 6 months is simply the same, for the SAPSF,

PresCo, and the branches to be constantly held accountable and

questioned, to ensure that optimum results reflect in the

2010/2011 term.

The federation is a long standing one, fourth oldest in the

world, and has undoubtedly stood the test of time. And although

admirable, stakeholders question whether it as active as it

should be. My reply to that has always been yes, it has been as

active as it it’s known to be, the only factor questionable is its

public relations. As a result it is imperative that branch chairs

and PresCo members attend meeting and functions hosted by

stakeholders i.e. PSSA. The activities planned and implemented

at branch level are vast but need to publicize in order to reas-

sure stakeholders and students of the relevance behind phar-

macy student bodies. Research development, ideas and health

philosophies should continuously be attached to the activities of

SAPSF. The amount of years spend in preparation for the

Bachelors of Pharmacy is minimal (to some), and your expecta-

tions of the profession should be fuel the change you want to

see. The basis of this is largely supported by the debate, net-

working, and being an active pharmacy student within your

branch ant at national level.

Due to the late conference (held in December instead of June/

July), this term will be a short one, ending in June. I dub this

term “full-throttle”, with so much to be done in the time given,

with special attention to the dying student body at the Univer-

sity of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the organization of the upcoming con-

ference, rejoining of Potchefstroom University branch, and not

only maintaining our international membership with IPSF but

also ensuring adequate representation on the international front.

The most important of all the objectives put forward is ensuring

that resources are in place to ensure that optimal future profes-

sionals are groomed.

I thank you for your support in voting myself as well as the

fellow PresCo into office. We humor this task, and hope to re-

flect our gratitude and capabilities at the 58th annual conference

in our report backs, and even before that which will be relayed

through the different communication mediums established. We

hope to continue to strengthen the branches, the relationships

between the students and the pharmacy bodies, as well as the

students and the different pharmacy divisions.

Pharmacy and health science is a lifelong commitment, in

which the rewards are seen daily through the impact on families

and communities. It is ever growing, and so will this federation

and the members who constitute it.

Yours in Pharmacy

Hilton Tommy Stevens

SAPSF President 2010/2011


5

Death of a Profession By Tendai Madidi

(UWC)

Why did I pursue pharmacy

as a profession?

Well after high school every-

body expected me to do medi-

cine but I didn’t have the nerves

to see sick people on a daily

basis. Yet I still had a passion

for service and health so I chose

the health profession which of-

fered the most opportunity in

terms of possible fields of spe-

cialization and career paths. Pharmacy still does offer all

this and more and yet few high school students are aware

of its existence hence the low number of students willingly

opting for it as a career. There are about 2000 pharmacy

students in South Africa and most of them did not have it

as their first choice.

Why do I say pharmacy is a dying profession?

Well of all health professions it has the highest personnel

turnover. This is so due mainly to brain drain as a result of

low remuneration of health professionals in developing

countries; job dissatisfaction mainly due to the lack of rec-

ognition and respect from other health professionals, and

ironically limited career development which is mainly due

to limitations in the scope of practice of pharmacists in the

African health systems. With so many pharmacists leaving

the profession it leaves even fewer to enter the field of re-

search in pharmacy.

What with all that is working against the profession; the

legal changes and restrictions that limit the role of a phar-

macist, it is sad that we as well are contributing to putting

the final nails on the pharmacy coffin. Did you know that

the majority of post graduates in South Africa are foreign?

Of all the masters level graduates even fewer go on to do a

doctorate or post doctoral work. Of the post graduate work

done in the country, 80% is done by researchers over 50

yrs old. All these stats tell us that in the next 20-30 years

the greater percentage of the researchers and lectures in

this country will be foreign nationals who have nothing

keeping them in the country and can leave at anytime. It is

downright embarrassing to even say that the future of

pharmacy in this country is mostly in the hands of soon to

be (if not already) geriatrics. Whatever happened to the

youth being the leaders of today and tomorrow? If nothing

changes soon the profession might just die or become one

of those obsolete professions.

Why is research necessary in any profession?

The role of research is to add to the knowledge base.

Knowledge is the engine that drives development and re-

search is the fuel that keeps the engine running. No profes-

sion can progress without research. History is riddled with

lots of famous researchers, the likes of Alexander Bell, the

Wright brothers, Albert Einstein, etc. Coming closer to

home, the last sixty years has seen tremendous develop-

ments in the field of medicine due to the research of sci-

ence legends such as Alexander Fleming, Maria Curie and

Christian Gram just to mention a few; and researchers con-

tinue to make amazing strides in healthcare. Many of these

researchers are pharmacists. No one else knows more

about drugs then we do. It is only natural that we head re-

search on drugs. But research in Africa is under threat. It is

common sense that the rich will only conduct health re-

lated research on matters that affect them. That leaves Af-

ricans to conduct research on issues that affect Africa. This

means you and I are mandated by the fact that we form

part of that 1% of people that hold or are in the process of

obtaining degrees in the world. Africa and the rest of the

developing world are depending on us to spearhead re-

search and development.

The world is moving towards a state of education where

simply holding a degree isn’t enough. We desperately

need more graduates to enter the field of research and get

masters and doctorate degrees. Overseas the B.Pharm is no

longer viable as a first entry pharmacy degree and has

been upgraded by the M. Pharm and D. Pharm in Europe

and the States respectively. This should serve as a motiva-

tor for obtaining post grad degrees to as many of us as can

attain this level of education. Many of us may want to but

unfortunately cannot due to the responsibilities of fending

for our families. For those that can, we should if not for

our own self development then for the profession’s and

our beloved nation and continent’s sake. But the question

on every graduates mind is no longer why do research but

rather what’s in it for me?

Well let me try and break it down for you. Firstly it will

provide you with a whole new way of thinking and solving

problems that is not offered by a mere bachelor’s degree

that assesses your ability to remember and regurgitate in-

formation. Post grad work teaches you to think outside the

box and apply the knowledge that you have and use it to

make a difference in this our world. Then you can stop be-

ing like the ordinary graduate that uses a mere 5% of their

brain and strive to use a little more to the extent of chal-

lenging the Einsteins of this world that used an estimated

12% which might look small but still far bigger when

compared to the rest of us. Post grad studies will thus fa-

cilitate the mindset shift and provide you with the general

competencies so desperately needed in this country and

age.

6

“Little knowledge is dangerous.” Knowledge doesn’t kill, become

a researcher.

Another benefit is that it will also open up doors to travel

all over the world attending seminars and research col-

laborations. I would think most of us have the general

idea that research doesn’t pay but I beg to differ. Re-

searchers get paid for every article they publish and per

chance if you discover something of value the patent

rights on their own can make you very rich. All it takes is

one brilliant idea. Take Mark Zuckerberg for instance

who became the youngest billionaire from his ingenious

idea of Facebook. Who knows, you may become the next

Alexander Flemming and discover the next miracle drug

that surpasses the penicillins. You might just be the one

to discover a cure for cancer or the developing world pan-

demic, AIDS.

So don’t sell yourself short, venture into research and

change the world of pharmacy. Remember pharmaceuti-

cals are big business with enormous returns; everybody

needs a pill these days. The four principal fields of phar-

macy offer an extremely broad range of research areas.

So if your interest lies in research go for it, if not think

about it. Knowledge never killed anyone. In my language,

Shona, they say “Njere shoma dzino remedza tenzi”

loosely translated as a little brain is heavier than a big

one. It is a rather hilarious equivalent to the English prov-

erb “Little knowledge is dangerous.”

SAPSF conference 2011DATES 12th – 16th July 2011WHERE Rhodes University, GrahamstownCOST Early bird registration by 15 June

R900 for res accommodationR500 if accommodated elsewhere in townLast date for registration is 30 JuneR1000 for res accommodationR550 if accommodated elsewhere in town

Limited places availableVisit http://www.ru.ac.za/pharmacy or email

[email protected] for more information

7

8

Student Exchange Page

Before she jets off to

India, Antidote had a chat with

Mary Chindanyika, a third

year student from Rhodes Uni-

versity and hears what she has

to say.

1. Why India?

India pioneered the evolution of

pharmacy in so many areas. Usage

of medication such as anesthetics

was used in ancient India. An In-

dian developed the first organized

practice of medicine. The country

continues to advance in the area of

Pharmacology and this is attested

by the several collaborations be-

tween Indian pharmaceutical companies and institutions and

those in Southern Africa. A recent case in point is the visit by

a Rhodes University delegation led by the Dean of the Faculty

of Pharmacy, Prof Walker to India’s KLE University. The

visit was aimed at creating collaborations with a country re-

spected and well known in the pharmaceutical industry.

Given this background it is not surprising that I am excited

that the country that I will be going to is India. I have to be

honest, I did not think I would be picked for India. I was ec-

static when I heard the Indian seo had reserved my applica-

tion .I am looking forward to visiting their country and to ex-

perience how they are adopting this philosophy of pharmaceu-

tical care into their system.

2. What will you be showcasing at India?

In India I will be showcasing the role SAPSF has in a phar-

macy student’s life. It will be my duty to explain and express

how SAPSF has impacted my life, the support and guidance

they offer students as well as what student benefit by being

affiliated with SAPSF. I will also get an opportunity to show-

case Rhodes University and the curricular at Rhodes Univer-

sity. While in India I hope to get the opportunity to attend

classes with my host, who is also a pharmacy student. I intend

to show and share with the students the knowledge I have

gained and the way we do things in South Africa, and at Rho-

des. Even though I am travelling as a SAPSF member, I have

also had the support of my faculty and university. I will share

with students there my experiences of being a student at a

South African university. Lastly I will also showcase my cul-

ture. I am proudly Zimbabwean, and always delighted to talk

about our traditions and values as the Zimbabwean people.

3. Is it a personal visit? How is SAPSF going to benefit

from your visit?

My trip to India has been fueled mainly by SAPSF. My trip I

do hope would be the beginning of another new phase in IPSF

for SAPSF. I would say that the purpose of the trip is defi-

nitely not personal, it is for SAPSF and I do hope the out-

comes will benefit the federation. All concepts that I will learn

I will share with SAPSF so that if any aspects are to be

adopted it is done at a national level and not just for my bene-

fit.

I have chosen to make this trip very personal in that I know I

will get the chance to experience a different culture and way

of life. That experience will stay with me for the rest of my

life.

4. The "Road" to India: Difficulties, challenges, good ex-

periences etc.

Good things first J well so far I have been so excited about my

trip to India, it has been wonderful reading about the country,

trying to learn a simple greeting with the help of my friends

who speak some of the common languages spoken in the re-

gion I will be travelling to. Sharing this experience and learn-

ing curve with my friends has been so wonderful and I cherish

every moment .

( continues on the next page )

9

(from previous page)

The greatest challenge so far has been garnering financial sup-

port. SAPSF will not be paying for the trip, I have to raise

funds for the air fares and for my stay in India. I have been

blessed because my host has committed to organizing accom-

modation for me. I do not have sponsors thus far. Another

challenge has been trying to organize the optimal time for the

visit. I have been in consultation with my faculty to ensure that

the trip does not affect my studies and exams. I therefore have

to make sure I do the exchange during my vacation time as

credit points cannot be earned in absentia. It will be a huge sac-

rifice for me to miss out on my vacation and the opportunity to

travel back home (Zimbabwe) to be with my family, but this is

a challenge I am willing to take head on to make this trip a suc-

cess. This leaves me with just the vacation to go experience

India and be back.

5. What are you hoping to learn from the experience?

Like I said before mainly I want to learn more about pharma-

ceutical care. I hope to learn how their curriculum is struc-

tured, their campus life, their dispensing system and their di-

verse culture. Maybe a bit of their language too!!!!!

6. Your thoughts on the Exchange program: Why is it nec-

essary and how can it be improved or is it perfect now?

The Exchange program is very important. It allows us to have

knowledge of what is happening at an international level and

also take part in international events that relate to pharmacy.

Development occur in some instances based on observing what

others have achieved and most importantly how they reached

such high levels. Pharmacy has a global aim to achieve phar-

maceutical care. With this in mind it is in our best interest to

engage in student exchanges that will allow us to learn from

each other.

The program can be improved by having a fund created within

SAPSF that will assist exchange students. The question how-

ever would be what would be the source of funds? We could

introduce a fee payable by each branch to SAPSF for student

exchanges, advertisements may be used to get committed spon-

sors in time before students are selected for the exchange. It

may start with one student and increase as the pool of sponsors

grows.

7. How can Presco extend their invitation, so that many of

our members build an interest on the program and partake

in it?

Most people are drawn to things that have stories of success.

Previous exchange students should be invited to annual confer-

ences, even international students that have taken part. Sharing

their experiences would motivate people to take part. Also cre-

ating the fund for exchange students will give them a founda-

tion to start from when raising money for the exchange.

8. Will the Exchange program be a beginning of greater

things for you in relation and/or similar to the program?

I am hoping it will be a great beginning for SAPSF as it re-

starts its journey of student exchanges as part of IPSF. Person-

ally for me it will be the beginning of friendships and contacts

that will help me in the development of my career as a pharma-

cist.

9. Last words before India...>

The journey is not easy but it’s so much fun and you gain a lot

of experience in terms of professional relationships. Time man-

agement is one skill you surely attain as you have to juggle

your studies and processing of travel arrangements.

10

Hilton Stevens

President

Raydon Juta

Vice President

Themba Feza

General Secretary

Thuso Mojakgolo

Treasurer

Sfiso Longwe

Student Exchange Officer

Thulasizwe

Shelembe

Media and

Communica-

Selby Masuku

Editor


11

The SAPSF United

Project is an initiative

which was started by a

former Vice President

Nadiem Suffia of the

South African Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation.

The vision behind this project was to collectively, with-

out competing, unite all the Pharmacy School Branches

in an initiative on a National level.

The Project is the responsibility of the Vice-President of

each year to facilitate and manage the logistical integra-

tion of the SAPSF United Project. The project has a

theme as decided upon for the year, and revolves

around serving the community and such involving com-

munity stakeholders in such a health drive.

The focus of 2011 will be to “Know Yourself”, this

theme reflects the fact that most diseases or conditions

of today can be prevented if detected early. If patients

are aware of their risk factors and the consequences of

not changing their lifestyles. These conditions include

Diabetes Mellitus (type 1 and 2), Hypertension, Choles-

terol and related conditions.

It is our responsibility as the profession to always edu-

cate and inform the public of themselves and their risks

so as to decrease the burden on society. Burdens include

our healthcare system, decreased productivity in the

work place as well as the effects on families it may

have. If many conditions could be presented, society

would be a whole lot more effective.

The project will be undertaken by each branch of the

South African Pharmaceutical Students Federation dur-

ing the month of April 2011 (18-23rd). The proposed

site for the campaign has been decided to be a shopping

mall or centre, due to the number of persons one can

target from all walks of life, however branches may in-

volve more of the community by hosting the campaign

in a primary healthcare facility or community centre as

well as the shopping mall or centre.

The campaign will be runs by each branch as stated pre-

viously, and will include procedures such as BMI test-

ing, waist circumference testing, patient interviews,

blood pressure monitoring as well as expired drug dis-

posal collection. Any patients requiring referral will be

referred via a special SAPSF referral form.

This initiative is exciting not only due to the fact that it

is student led but that it will incorporate Pharmacists

and has the possibility of incorporating many other

health professionals and stakeholders in the community

setting.

This initiative was founded on a vision and dream to

unite all Pharmacy Students in South Africa under one

umbrella, to celebrate our gifts and skills and to give

back to the community. Let us fulfil that dream.

Raydon Juta

Vice President (SAPSF)


12

By Makgoba-

Tumisho.

INTERNesteem is all

about taking care of

our wardrobes, espe-

cially what we put on

under our lovely

CLINICAL COATS, I

mean as Pharmacists

we want to be treated

with respect and dig-

nity like other high

profile professionals,

but we fail to dress

accordingly. Dress

code plays a very cru-

cial role on every per-

son’s self-esteem and

confidence, next time

you are having self-

confidence challenges

dress up a bit. You

may be surprised how

much it helps . *wink!

*God bless y’all.

INTERNesteem!

fashion@thepharm

13

While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly

have a huge effect on her self-confidence, which, I believe

does make THE WOMAN!!!

Mo

de

l: M

ak

ok

ga

Ca

te

14

INTERNesteem!

Mo

de

l: S

ebo

tsiT

hu

to

15

Not only is self-esteem sexy,

in the sense it shows you be-

lieve you have WORTH and it

also gives you the energy to

improve yourself in infinite

ways that are attractive as

well…..

Mo

de

l: R

ap

ats

a B

ened

ict

16

WE ALL NEED TO

START SOME-

WHERE,IN ORDER

TO LOOK CONFI-

DENT & PRESENT-

ABLE….

INTERNesteem!

17

INTERNesteem! M

od

el:

Mm

otl

an

aL

era

to

18

Students in their final year are selected to assist in the great course of

the Transnet foundation, the Phelophepa Health Care Train. The train

takes health care to the rural communities of South Africa which can-

not access health care services. Each week two pharmacy students are

invited to assist in the pharmacy on board.

On my week at Harrismith on the train, I managed to sneak an exclu-

sive interview with the train manager, Mr. Onke Mazibuko. In this

interview Mr Mazibuko sheds light and answers all the questions you

might or have pertaining to the train.

Mr Onke Mazibuko

Give us a brief history of the Phelophepa initiative:

How and why did it come into existence?

In 1993 Professor Jannie Ferrera from the then Rand Afrikaans Uni-

versity (RAU, now the University of Johannesburg (UJ), approached

Transnet with a request to obtain four coaches which were to be used

as a mobile eye clinic. In that first year the train only offered eye ser-

vices and by the end of the year the university decided to give the idea

back to Transnet. In 1994 the Transnet-Phelophepa Health Care Train

was born, in the same year as our democracy, when the Pharmacy,

Health and Dental Clinics were all added to the project (the Psychol-

ogy Clinic was only added two years later). Transnet decided to use

the project as part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) which

involves not only giving back to the communities of South Africa but

also making a solid contribution towards nation building. Since the

birth of the project the objective has been to bring affordable services,

through a united effort, to rural and impoverished communities. Since

its inception the project has been about healing, sharing, educating

and leading in the various fields involved in the project.

-What is the link between the Phelophepa Health

Care Train and students i.e. Pharmacy stu-

dents?

-What is the role played by students in the train?

What makes the Phelophepa Project so unique is that it is all about

people from various ethnical and professional backgrounds coming

together to work towards one common goal. In doing this, partner-

ships are formed with communities, state and privately owned enter-

prises, universities and other important stakeholders. Onboard the

train there are 20 staff members and 14 security guards who live and

travel with the train for 9 months of the year, dedicated to the vision

of bringing affordable services to the communities. At any given time

there are 40 students working on the train from the various disciplines

including health, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, psychology and

catering. The students come to the train for two week periods

(pharmacy is one week and catering is three months) in their final

year of study to literally practice what they have been studying. The

students play a vital role as it is they who do most of the work as the

permanent staff act as supervisor and managers – without the students

and the ongoing support of the tertiary institutions there would be no

Phelophepa Project. So while the train is about providing affordable

services for impoverished communities it is also about creating an

environment of learning for students. The experience they receive is

invaluable and invariantly different from the experience they gain

elsewhere, since the communities visited by the train are different

from those the students come from and the Phelophepa environment

is different from most medical or health setups.

What would you want students to take from their

Phelophepa experience?

One of the things that I mention to students during the general orien-

tation when they arrive is that they are professionals and are expected

to behave and dress as such. However, as much as we appreciate their

professional knowledge and expertise, what we value most on the

project is the attitude they will have towards one another because the

way that we treat each other is the way that we treat our patients.

There can be no doubt about the fact that working on the Phelophepa

for any period of time is an eye opener to the realities and challenges

of rural life. On arrival the students are told that the project is about

human dignity, equality and respect. Being exposed to these commu-

nities and the dynamics of the train the students (and all those who

work here) are undoubtedly engendered with a sense of humility. See-

ing what patients have to go through just to get such services and also

seeing the deep sense of appreciation after receiving services is some-

thing that leaves an indelible impression on the students. When stu-

dents come to the train it is hoped that they firstly become open to the

idea of community service, secondly learn a valuable lesson in hu-

manity, healing, sharing and educating through living together, and

thirdly get a sense of meaning and purpose from the work that they do

so that there is no gap between their personal and professional lives.

How many Pharmacists and pharmacy personnel

do you employ in the pharmacy when are

phamacists posts normally advertised and how?

What are the prerequisites for interested

graduates who want to be part of the Phelo-

phepa family?

Being a permanent Phelophepa staff member is probably 10% about

( continues on page 20)

PHELOPHEPA EXPERIENCE

19

Presense of Phelophepa lures governments initiatives i.e sassa,home affairs

20

professional knowledge and experience and 90% attitude and charac-

ter. Since the Phelophepa environment is so dynamic and challenging

it is quite natural that not all people will be able to tolerate the condi-

tions. That is why team dynamics are crucial and during the job inter-

view process a patient and critical approach is taken. Interested job

applicants have to show a genuine passion for people, communities

and selfless endeavours. Applicants also have to show strong charac-

ter and an ability to deal with stressful situations. On the train there

are two pharmacists: one resident pharmacist and one pharmacy man-

ager. They work together with two final year pharmacy students who

rotate every week from the various universities in partnership with

the project. All Phelophepa staff are on yearly renewable contracts

and it is up to the staff member to indicate in July every year whether

they will return or not the following year. Should a staff member

choose not to return then in September the post will be advertised, so

that interviews may be conducted in October.

Sighting at the demands of the services rendered at

the train, What plans have been or will be im-

plemented by the Phelophepa Management to

try and meet those demands?

The Transnet-Phelophepa Health Care Train will never work in isola-

tion which is why we always have a strong referral base before enter-

ing any community. It is also no secret that perhaps the greatest

weakness of the project is that we do not stay in any area long

enough to do follow ups and it usually takes us two years to return to

the same area. However, one of the ways that Transnet has responded

to this is by building a second train which will ensure that we visit

the same communities every year instead of every two years as has

been the pattern for the last seventeen years. The notable trend over

the years that the train has been operational is that more and more

patients have been coming to the overwhelming majority of stations

we visit which has necessitated staying longer at certain stations to

deal with the need. Unfortunately we still see at many stations hun-

dreds of patients turned away due to us not being able to accommo-

date everybody due to human resources or time factors. Greater col-

laboration with the relevant stakeholders has helped improve the fol-

low up process but sadly in many areas we visit the services we offer

just don’t exist which means people have to wait until we come back

again.

-The Phelophepa train has been dubbed the

“Miracle train”, how are you going to maintain

that accolade?

-As the “captain” of the train, where are you di-

recting the train to?

Fortunately – or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it – the

Phelophepa Project has been embraced by the communities that we

have visited on numerous occasions to the extent that there are great

expectations wherever we go – some of them being quite impossible

to deal with. Take for example in the Eye Clinic where on many oc-

casions blind patients have come expecting to be given sight at the

“Miracle Train” – a moniker created by the communities we visit. At

the end of the day we offer primary health care services and all we

can do is ensure that these services are the best on offer. As it is in all

areas of life it is quite impossible to live up to people’s expectations

all the time, all you can do is live up to your own expectations. Here

at the Transnet-Phelophepa Health Care Train we know what our

vision is and what our objectives and capabilities are. Fortunately,

being part of a successful business entity allows us to benefit from

strong business principles and exceptional management which en-

sures a critical assessment of our processes. With the coming on the

second train, and thus the expansion of the project, my objective is to

ensure that our processes and procedures are well documented to the

extent that the new team will be able to replicate and follow them.

This needs to be done with an awareness of the field we operate in

and ensuring that we remain abreast of our challenges.

Words to Pharmacy Students/SAPSF members…

My words to pharmacy students/SAPSF members out there is

that you should always make sure that the work you do is

giving meaning to your life, and that your values, beliefs

and dreams are being lived out in everything that you do.

Make sure that in everything that you do you are being in-

fluential, reaching your targets and making an impact.

continues from page 19

21


22

ULAPS

Sports/Picnic day

Pharmacy Week

Staff + Student 101

Pharmacy Ball

Welcome Function

Community Outreach

Annual General Meeting

Open Day

TUTULAPS

Elections and Gala evening

Pharmacy week

Community Outreach

First orientation

Valentine’s day

Sports weekend

Open day

PEPSA

Election of new Committee

Cheese and Wine Evening

Community Outreach

Pharmacy Ball

Pharmacy Week

Pharmacy Ball

UWCAPS

Sports Day

Cake Sales (we need energy)

Community Outreach

Career development seminars

Annual Tygerberg Hospital Christmas

Party

Welcome braai for 1st years

UKNAPS

First Aid training workshop

Community outreach

Cultural evening for both students and

lecturers

Sports and entertainment Event

Pharmacy Ball

RUPSA

RUPSA Ball

Pharmacy Week 2008

RUPSA Fitness Frenzy

Community Outreach

Expired medicine collection

Charity –Fundraising

Annual General Meeting

Welcome Dinner

WPSC

Pharmacy ball

Pharmacy picnic

Pharmacy week

HIV/AIDS workshop

Pharmacy career workshop

Community Outreach

Pharmacy braai

PASV

First years Breakfast

Sports day

Braai

Final Years Ball

Community Outreach

Wine Tasting

Pharmacy week

Pharmay Open Day

23

24

February 7 Sent from a Phone

Thabo Motsoai

Reason for concern

Ladies n Gents daz it bug u s much s it daz me da EVERY1 iz making money outa da Pharmacy Profession xcept 4 Pharmacists

demselvz? N if so wat izit dat WE s a Unit r goin 2 do bout it?

February 7

Wendy Smith Maka-aphile

Mina thabo m thnkg 4 a lng run,hw abt we cum up wit our own pharmacy chain stores whch wil compete wit clicks or whole-

salerz whch wil b chain stores also n mobilise al da pharmacist 2 join that.....

February 7

Nontobeko Mncwangi

most people dnt empower themselves with knowledge of how systems work. We are thus are hapi with our salaries or gt xcited

with the thot of makn money out of pharmacy. Truth is, 90% of the people, whether nurses, drs or pharmacist realy appreciate

the business field. I like the black econ0mic empowerment story, the min0rity stil has power over it, simply because they knw

hw it works. You give a black dude a tender to build a road, he does a shabby job, the road hs to be repaired in 3m0, a white

owned company is called up to clean up @ thrice the am0unt. Fact of the matter is many blacks dnt thnk beyond instant gratifi-

cation. Our attitude needs to change

February 7Sent from a Phone

Sana Pearl Maluleke

How long do doctors study pharmacology? Nd hw cum they do a few weeks dispensing course then they have a license to dis-

pense? Dats our job!!! If they ol dispense soon we won't be recognised as important.

February 7

Nontobeko Mncwangi

thats the whole point masana. U dnt have to have a 4yr degree to be able to read drz bad handwriting, pick n dispense. Thats nt a

pharmacist job. We cn offer m0re to the world if we didnt dispense. Its al abt systems, new and beta. Wot innovative ideas do

we have pertaining to pharmaceutical services. For interest sake, does any1 knw why aaron motswaledi got a 50% deal on arvs?

U c we r 2 outcome/result oriented, nt knwng what goes into making systems run.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=inbox

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1208194289











25

February 7

Thabo Motsoai

I thnk its 6 months bt spik anda correction n its tru da dispensing license iz 1 of our problems n 2 add 2 it I'm lukin @da pic holis-

tically so da WE can b da 1nz makin money outa da profession.

February 7

Didi Tlou Motuku

Pharmacsts DO NOT KNOW THEIR WORTH!! WE DONT STICK 2GETHA! WE DONT HAVE A BODY THAT IS ON OUR

SYD! Dr's hav sama. One Dr cries dy all put tools down. Dy knw the health system cant run wthout em

But...what health system can run wthout medication? Thats hw worthy we r,we can stop da running of da health system & charge

any1 who dispenses on our behalf. But we need a body behind us,we need strong, stern, powerful, smart ppl leading it!

February 7

Nontobeko Mncwangi

anybody cn count pillZ and say take one 3times a day. The govt has introduced mid level qualification, sumwhr btwn assistant and

pharmacist, they r gna do al the day to day running of the pharmacy and they handle higher schedule drugs indepandantly. My

question remains, wot our pharmacist bringing to the table whch we cnt do with0ut?

February 7


I agree to what everybody is saying.bt like history.wen displacing a powerful movement,the only vehicle is a revolution..i.e.

THOSE WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO OPEN PHARMACIES,OPEN THEM.EVERYONE ELSE BOYCOTS,AND SUP-

PORTS BY COMMITTING TO WORK ONLY FOR THE ''REVOLUTION'' IN THOSE PHARMACIES....no matter hw

strong,or ur share price on the jse,u cant function with no pharmacist...cripple them internally and patients are bound to come

through


http://www.facebook.com/didi.motuku







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February 7

Thuso Mojakes

It is time we take charge,we need to stand up and be influential...we need to protect wat is ours and be proud of our

role,I proposed regular meeting for pharmacists in 3military hospital,I rili didn't see the diference of me then(post ba-

sic pharmacist assistant) and now (pharmacist intern)...I rili feel is not about money but our role in the health setting

February 7

Nontobeko Mncwangi

tommy, surely pharmacists have enuf brain mass to do beta than antique techniques

February 7

Didi Tlou Motuku

Ur ryt Hilton but honestly speaking black pharmcsts dnt wana empower their own,dy hire family to run their pharma-

cies, want pharmacy studnts 2 work wthout pay...ther really is a lot 2b changed. Attitude being among da 1st

February 7

Nontobeko Mncwangi

we need to capitalise, govt has enlìsted pharmacy as a scare skill, how many of us r registered tutorz and assess0rs?

Hw many have training academies? U want a chain of pharmacies, who'rg gna work 4 u? The country is @ 70% va-

cancy rate 4 pharmacists, whr r ur employees gna cum frm? I agree with gugu *a paradigm shift needs to happen*

February 7


@Nontobeko,where did the Clicks pharmacists come from? When they started their chain? From an existing

pool.every movement begins with selling an idea that plays on the frustration of many who'd buy into that idea....we

not creating,we taking,cause they too feel and have debated bout this for decades.the only difference we doing it.we

take and the house(pharmacy) we place them in will suit their ideals,as we also want the same as they did...wouldnt u

also rather tutor in ur our governed medium than within one that owns u.











27

February 7

Hemphill Matyeka

Good topic Motsoai, i c u'v started somethn huge here..my view is @ the end of the day is : as an individual ''you will

NEVER'' be fully satisfied due to the fact that you r an employee and not an employer! I think that as pharmacists we

should rather find a niche in our market that most corporates haven't diggd their fingers in2 and make it HUGE, our

own...cos @ the end of the day pharmacy s broad it aint bwt retail/hospital...

February 8

Thabo Motsoai

De iz a voice of reazon 4rm every1 contributin n I hope these toks makes us becum stronga n nt dividd (coz dats hw da

opposition cn onli stop us) so rememba wen u becum of deze toks dat we r 1 n no 1 can muv us.

February 8

Tafara Jambwa

Is this argument only about dispensing? Because in industry and research we are doing just fine (just takes a bit

longer). I've always believed that we should never have started dispensing in the first place. But I'm sure that some of

you will disagree with me, its just that dispensing is the only place we seem to have trouble in.

February 8

Nontobeko Mncwangi

U and I share the same sentiments TafJam, there is a huge difference between offering a pharmaceutical service and

pill counting. Industry, research and development are doing so very well :-)

February 8

Luleka Ellen Dhlamini

True that,in hospital our profession we practice in silence,the only difference between a pharmacist & a pharmacist

assistant is in the salary notch.how do we expect the opposition to respect us if all we do is do what they say we must

do???its as if the 4yrs we spent in varsity was 4 nothing!





http://www.facebook.com/zakumilums






28

February 8

Tina Bontle Rybka

I may not be 100% BLACK but I am down for this cause. Count me in 100%.

We shall do this together.

February 8

Thabo Motsoai

@Rybka dis iz 4 ol of us n @Slo patience my sista,patience.


Thabo Motsoai

Comrade Maphetja Paul Moeta hz brot sumin bek 2 my attention dat we hv discussd about 4 yrs back n dat iz we nid 2

stat mobalising membas in2 da PSSA,the SAPC n I'm adding da DoH bt we seek 'activ participation' 4 da Big Idea ie 2

own bek wat iz ritefuli ourz n dat iz the Profession of Pharmacy n plz mind u dat trans4mation wil take tym n wil nt

hapen ovanyt so cn we c hw mani ppl wld lyk 2 go in2 which organisation?


Thabo Motsoai

Les we 4get da MCC guyz,thnx Lu











29


Thabo Motsoai

How do we as young pharmacists ensure that we become EMPLOYERES so that we help in contributing to the gov-

ernment's plan to create 5 Million jobs in the next 10 years?


Maine Thabang Mofokeng

Now, the problem I've always had with pharmacists, is exactly wat ur all doing now!!! You talk and talk and talk and

get each other excited and have nothing to show for it at the end of the day. Le ntena hampe... For the record I'm now

only a pharmacist by qualification.

February 11

Samnkelo Ganta

Quick question: are we allowed by SAPC to study ( diplomas, short courses) during comm serve year?


Thabo Motsoai

I thnk u cn do anythn bt take on renumerated wok.

February 14

Lucia T Chanetsa

wow...its really been cool reading these conversations from a distance and must say i like the passion for change that

most of yu have......and if i could just give you some inside info.....currently, in addition to the many curriculum vitaes

that are being designed for pharmacy technicians, there will also be nurses who will be able to initiate therapy (like

doctors) for particular diseases that are termed "high burden" by the state.....This is something that i guarantee you will

happen within the next three years if it is rolled out on time. Now its good to mobilise pple and all these pharmacists,

but of even greater importance is what you are gonna be doing with the ppl that yu have mobilised them. like so many

sentiments shared here, we have sold ourselves short....we are supposed to be part of hospital rounds doing what is




http://www.facebook.com/maine.mofokeng






http://www.facebook.com/maine.mofokeng



30

known as clinical pharmacology, we need to have access to prescribing at least up to schedule four drugs (which the

doctors will fight us for since that where they make the majority of their money - even though this will ease the pres-

sure off the health system), And these are just but a few......Look i for one was very dissapointed when after my year

of internship i realised that the only thing that seperated me from my supervisor was her ability to read terrible hand-

writting...and i asked myself...is this what i wanna do for the next 20 years?....by the way. The reason why the doctors

won the bid for dispensing is because there is strength in numbers.....so yah.....the only question i have for everyone

is....HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? and it shouldnt just be about the money (by the way big up to Mr Tonny

Furgersson, coz at least he has his fingers in some pie....)

February 14


@lucia,I couldn't have said it better myself. It is so demoralizing 2 work in hospitals because all a pharmacist does is

push medication OTC just so the line can move faster.I've only begun my internship n trust me when I say,I'm tired of

this job b4 I even begin my career.

Its sad that pharmacist that have been in the profession 4 long r comfortable with the current situation. Let us not be all

talk n NO game.we need to STAND TOGETHER to WIN this 1!


Thabo Motsoai

Hw many of us here are ACTIVE membas of deir PSSA branch?

February 14


LOL*silence means concern*

February 15

Thuso Mojakes

@good point,I am as tired as you are,we had a meeting with a Doctors' representative last week and I complained that

they don't write diagnosis or atleast ICD 10,one of de long serving pharmacist responded dat we dnt need it dat much,I

got so angry and I eventualy said things dat I was not supposed to say which I won't mention here










31


Thabo Motsoai

People please never do anything out of anger. Will it be too much of a hustle for all members involved to become ac-

tive members of their PSSA branch?

February 15

Samnkelo Ganta

Thabo how does one become an active member of the pssa branch?

February 15

Thuso Mojakes

Long serving pharmacists are resistant to change,and they think experience is everything...ill not allow any1 to dictates

my role,I respect every1 who has been in the field...


Thabo Motsoai

Find out your nearest PSSA branch,register with them and make a change from within so that when decisions are

made at a National level it is us that are making those decisions.


Thabo Motsoai

If I may ask: how many Pharmacists would be willing to sacrifise towards the goodwill of the profession simularly to

how struggle heroes like Oliver Tambo did?














32

February 16

Lindiwe Sethole

das dat mean putin our tools dwn n simply refusin to apply our skil?

Im willing

February 16

Samnkelo Ganta

I would Thabo, i dont know how many times i have to "fix" drs prescritions and i dont get paid or recognised for those

efforts. We really need to take back our profession.

February 16

Thabo Motsoai

Please remember to be very patient,don't loose focus as these things take time.

February 17

Mywish Mathebula

pharmacist's have been underecognised for a long tym,so the older pharmacist's still feel inferior and thus they dont

have the "balls" to stand firm to docters and demand those ICD-10 codes and diagnosis....but we're not that generation

and it should be felt by all healthcare professionals.....yeah,i also say we take our profession back!


Thabo Motsoai

@Mywish where would you advise the starting point to be? Another thought I have always had is the role of the Phar-

macist in drug abuse and that is one territory we need to explore in helping the community in curbing this problem as

the last time I followed organisation like Drug Wise were on the brink of being NGOs as their need were not seen or

http://www.facebook.com/lindiwe.sethole






http://www.facebook.com/lindiwe.sethole





33

recognised.


Thabo Motsoai

One challennge I have for Pharmacists as the custodians of medicine and experts in drugs is that we make ourselves

heard n make the profession indispensable by following nations such as Genzi in which the Pharmacist is the one hav-

ing the last say on the drugs to be given to a patient.


Thabo Motsoai

Has anyone made any progress with regard to our concerns?


Thabo Motsoai

What are people's understanding of the PSSA and the SAPC?

March 1

Thuso Mojakes

SAPC is about registration of pharmacist and pharmacies,they are also there to protect the community PSSA protect us

pharmacists

Are we all aware of the discontinuation of Doxyfene?

March 1Sent from a Phone

Lulama Qwele















34

Came across somethng about th drug bein discontinued due 2 abnormal heart rhythms or somethng of tht effect.....

March 1

Mywish Mathebula

I read an article on wunga,n aparently adicts r geting themselves infectd wit HIV just 2 get hold of Stocrin...wat do we

do?

March 1


bt its back on the market for some reason again

March 1


@tina at one stage we were calling the doctors and substituting the likes of synap forte, and doxfene...few weeks down

the line the story changed. unless its a compnany thing.


Thabo Motsoai

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work"~Thomas Edison


Thabo Motsoai

Is anyone making progress to share with the rest of us?













35

For all members that can please watch making moves this thursday March 10 2011 @1pm.

March 8

Hemphill Matyeka

Which Channel Motsoai?


Thabo Motsoai

On SABC 1 thank you Mr. Matyeka.

How many members actually read pharmacy-related megazines ie SAPJ,Pharmaciae etc?

March 8

Thabo Motsoai

Very good Ausi Lerato and for everyone to please do read and share so that we (as a unit) can contribute positively to

these publications to our advantage as young pharmacists.

March 8

Thuso Mojakes

I'll set alarm for dat programme on thursday Thibo touch m still struggling to find PSSA in free state but I won't give

up.

About Magazines I've got no clue since SAPC in far.I even thot of Google but still no success

March 9

Lerato Malete






http://www.facebook.com/malete.lerato





http://www.facebook.com/malete.lerato

36

solve de scenario: a pt presents wit a history of 3weeks pv bleeding,says she suspects she WAS pregnant nd asks the

doctor to evacuate. Pregnancy test is negative,doctor prescribes cytotec nd instructs de patient to only cum back IF she

gets a lot of pv bleeding.u standin wit de Rx for cytotec,wat do u do?


Lulama Qwele

I thnk dr shud hev dne a scan 2 check if thers reali ntn there, she myt hev had a misd-miscarage or sumthn, cysts

mayb....then gv tranexamic acid 2 stop th bleeding if thers ntn, instead of giving cytotec...

March 10

Thabo Motsoai

I am in the process of being active again at the pretoria pssa branch.


Thabo Motsoai

On my part I'm making progress with my re-affiliation with the pssa and I'm currently in the process of acquiring

sponsorship for 3 leaners where I work and have recently contacted the CEO's office (and still awaiting respond) on

the go ahead to seek sponsorship for the aircon and tvin the OPD of the hospital.









37

PresCo introduces membership cards.

All major organizations seem to have a simple census system to help them understand their catering capacity.

The PresCo has decided to adopt the system, and with the help of its members it can be successfully imple-

mented. Check out the suggested card and voice out your opinion on the matter.

Are you for the implementation or not? Email your answers to [email protected]

38

58th Annual SAPSF con-ference

12-16 July 2011

It’s all about the next level

Documents

Antidote Vol0 Issue 1