The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), the regulating organization in charge of the pharmacy industry in South Africa, is responsible for maintaining the official database known as the SAPC Register. The registry is a thorough list of all the people and organizations that are permitted to work in the nation’s pharmacy industry.
Purpose of the SAPC Register
The register serves as a tool to:
- Regulate the Pharmacy Profession: Ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals practice pharmacy in South Africa.
- Ensure Public Safety: Verifying that registered pharmacy professionals meet ethical and professional standards.
- Monitor Compliance: Ensuring that all pharmacy establishments operate according to legal requirements.
Who is Registered with SAPC?
- Pharmacists – Qualified individuals who have met the education and training requirements.
- Pharmacist Interns – Graduates completing their internship before full registration.
- Pharmacist Assistants – Individuals assisting pharmacists, registered in different categories.
- Pharmacy Students – Those studying towards a pharmacy qualification.
- Pharmacies – Licensed retail, hospital, and institutional pharmacies.
- Responsible Pharmacists – Professionals accountable for compliance within a pharmacy.
How to Check the SAPC Register
The SAPC provides an online register, where the public and stakeholders can verify the status of pharmacy professionals and establishments. This can be accessed through the SAPC website.
Registration and Renewal
- Pharmacy professionals must register with the SAPC before practicing.
- Annual renewal and compliance with continuing professional development (CPD) are required.
- Pharmacies must maintain Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) standards to remain registered.