PSMO-06 - The evolving role of pharmacists in increasing access to treatment and health outcomes in South Africa and globally

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

Chair(s)

Ms Refiloe Mogale, Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa, South Africa

Introduction

This session looks at the expanded role of pharmacists in increasing the accessibility of primary health care through task-shifting and improved service offerings to patients. In South Africa, the mass COVID-19 vaccine rollout, childhood vaccination partnerships between pharmacists and provincial governments and primary care drug therapy services are cases in point.

Programme

 

11:00 – 11:05 Introduction by the chair
11:05 – 11:25

Extended role of a pharmacist in South Africa
Prof. Natalie Schellack, Education Committee for the South African Pharmacy Council, South Africa
11:25 – 11:45 Evolving roles of pharmacists in the healthcare system from an African perspective
Dr Mariet Eksteen, Professional Development and Support Department, Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa
11:45 12:05 Pharmacist-led initiatives — Success stories from a global perspective
Mr Paul Sinclair, President FIP, Australia
12:05 – 12:25 Q&A
12:25 – 12:30 Summary and closing

Learning objectives

  • To understand the need for the evolving roles of pharmacists in the healthcare system, both in Africa and globally.
  • To explore concepts of task shifting in pharmacy practice and its impact on increasing access to pharmaceutical services and within the overall healthcare system.
  • To analyse and identify potential opportunities and challenges in enhancing the role of pharmacists in the overall healthcare system.

Take home messages

Empowering pharmacists with advanced training and allocating relevant resources are key to maximising their potential, improving access to treatments, and playing a role in preventive health outcomes.