South African Association of Community Pharmacists
South African Association of 
The PCDT Special Interest Group (SiG) has been officially recognised as an integral part of the South African Association of Community Pharmacists (SAACP) following a resolution passed at the SAACP Annual General Meeting held on 1 September 2023, in accordance with the SAACP Constitution, Section 10 on Interest Groups. This significant development reflects our commitment to promoting collaboration and addressing specific areas of interest within the PCDT community pharmacy profession.
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The PCDT SiG aims to provide value to PCDT registered SAACP members by serving and protecting their rights, facilitating discussion and representation, addressing issues and opportunities related to PCDT, and promoting research and knowledge-sharing in the field. Additionally, the SiG aims to support the broader objectives of the SAACP by collaborating with stakeholders and proposing initiatives to enhance the role of community pharmacists.
Membership in the PCDT SiG is open to PSSA members who have selected the SAACP as their sector of choice, completed the PCDT supplementary training, registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) for supplementary training, and applied for the relevant section 22A(15) permit for offering PCDT services.
Membership in the SAACP offers numerous benefits, including access to professional services, networking opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of community pharmacists. Our members benefit from liaison with various organisations, assistance with legislative matters, participation in national symposiums, and continuing professional development opportunities.
As a sectoral division of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), the SAACP is dedicated to advancing the interests of community pharmacists and strengthening our profession's role in healthcare delivery. Our mission is to support and promote the integral role of Community Pharmacists in serving our communities and optimising medication use to enhance patient outcomes. The establishment of the PCDT SiG aligns with our mission by addressing the unique needs and interests of Primary Care Drug Therapy registered community pharmacists.
If you are not currently a member of the PSSA or its sector body, the SAACP, we encourage you to consider joining the Society to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities available to members.
For more information on PSSA and SAACP membership, please visit the PSSA webpage https://www.pssa.org.za/ or contact info@pssa.org.za.
Primary Care Drug Therapy (PCDT) pharmacists play a crucial role in expanding access to quality healthcare by providing essential services within community pharmacies. Through their specialized training and regulatory authorization, they are equipped to diagnose and treat selected conditions, prescribe medication, and monitor chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and epilepsy. This not only improves healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved areas, but also allows patients to receive timely care without needing immediate consultations with a general practitioner.
PCDT pharmacists enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system by offering cost-effective services that help prevent unnecessary doctor visits and hospitalizations. By serving as a first point of contact for minor ailments and chronic disease management, they reduce the burden on medical professionals while ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment or referrals when necessary. Their ability to provide vaccination services, family planning support, and syndromic treatment for infections further strengthens preventative healthcare efforts within the community.
Additionally, PCDT pharmacists contribute to improved patient outcomes by offering comprehensive consultations, including medication reviews, diagnostic testing, and therapeutic monitoring. Their involvement ensures that chronic conditions remain well-managed, reducing complications and emergency interventions. This proactive approach to healthcare aligns with national public health strategies, ultimately fostering a healthier population while optimizing medical aid resources.
Imagine walking into your local pharmacy and receiving expert care for minor ailments or chronic conditions—without needing a doctor's appointment. That’s exactly what Primary Care Drug Therapy (PCDT) pharmacists are trained to do!
Through specialized postgraduate training, PCDT pharmacists are empowered to diagnose, prescribe, and treat a range of common health conditions, from infections and allergies to managing chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. With a permit issued under Section 22A(15) of the Medicines Act, they can legally provide extended care, ensuring faster, more accessible treatment when you need it most.
What’s more? If your pharmacy is registered with a Practice Number, PCDT services can be claimed through medical aid—making quality healthcare even more convenient and affordable. Whether it’s a quick consultation for flu symptoms or ongoing chronic disease management, your PCDT pharmacist is your trusted healthcare partner, bridging the gap between pharmacy and primary healthcare.
