PSWE-11 - Implementing universal health coverage — Leveraging the role of pharmacy

Meeting room 2.60
Organised by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)

Chair(s)

Dr M. Masike, Health Professions Council of South Africa, South Africa

Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Target 3.8, calls on governments to “achieve universal health coverage (UHC), including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all”. South Africa is at an advanced stage of realising this goal. However, to fully achieve UHC, all healthcare professionals, as service providers, ought to champion its implementation.

Programme

13:30 – 13:35 Introduction by the chair
13:35 – 13:45 Reducing health inequalities: A sustainable model integrating pharmacy services for impactful utilisation
Dr Ryan A. Forrey, ExCo member of the FIP Hospital Pharmacy Section, USA
13:45 – 14:15

Perspectives from South African Pharmacy Council stakeholders

  • Ms Refiloe Mogale, Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa
  • Dr Mzulungile Nodikida, South African Medical Association  
  • Mr. Simon Hlungwani, Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa
  • Ms Steve Letsike, Access Chapter 2, South Africa
14:15 – 14:35 National health insurance: Future direction for pharmacy perspective from the South African policymaker
Dr Nicholas Crisp, Department of Health, South Africa
14:35 – 14:55 Q&A
14:55 – 15:00 Summary and closing

Learning objectives

  • To understand the value of pharmacists, beyond supply chain, in making national health insurance successful.
  • To analyse the role of the National Department of Health stakeholders in championing the implementation of UHC.
  • To evaluate the progress and challenges faced in the implementation of national health insurance in South Africa, including its implications for pharmacy practice.

Take home messages

  • The realisation of UHC requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all patients.
  • The journey towards achieving UHC involves addressing systemic challenges and disparities within healthcare systems, necessitating innovative policies and collaborative approaches among stakeholders.