Introduction

South Africa has been hailed as the “Rainbow Nation”, rich in diversity and resilience. It is this spirit that has helped us overcome the complexities of the past and move forward with common goals. South Africa currently presents a two-tier healthcare system — a public healthcare system and a private healthcare system.  While there is still a significant difference between public and private healthcare in South Africa, efforts are being made to bridge the gap by improving funding, resources, and support across the board. 

The healthcare system in our country is a work in progress as we continually evolve to improve the delivery of care to all patients, regardless of socioeconomic status. Due to the diverse needs of our population, the field of pharmacy has had to adapt over the years, often finding unique solutions to meet those needs.

The pharmacy landscape in South Africa can broadly be categorized into four key sectors: Hospital and Institutional, Community, Academia, and Industry. Pharmacists also contribute to clinical trials and benefit management services. With a population of over 60 million, the country is served by approximately 18,500 pharmacists and 29,700 support personnel/mid-level workers. While this may not be the ideal pharmacist-to-population ratio, initiatives such as expanded scope of practice are being implemented to improve access to and quality of care.

High-quality education produces high-quality pharmacists, and high-quality pharmaceutical products result in high-quality treatment. These are the cornerstones of high-quality care. Our Schools of Pharmacy, along with Manufacturing and Wholesale Companies, understand this formula. The South African Pharmacy Council and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority ensure that standards are maintained across the field. While the pharmaceutical landscape may differ across sectors, we are united in our common goal: Quality Healthcare for All.

The beauty of our country does not only lie in the majesty of Table Mountain and the picturesque coastlines but also in our endearing and hard-working pharmacists and support personnel. Often the modest and unsung characters, but still an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. We are ever-evolving and adaptive to our situations. We are a profession that embraces change and welcomes innovation. We are ready to step into the future!

Join us as we take you on a brief journey of our development in the field of Pharmacy.

Programme