Our Branch Committees, with the assistance of the Directors and staff, strive to implement the objectives of the Society within their area of responsibility.
• To promote the professional, economic and educational interests of members
• To provide and promote services and benefits to its members
• To improve the professional integrity, image and standards of practice of its members and thereby the health of the people of South Africa
Members are recognised by their peers for their services to the profession through a number of awards including:
• Honorary Life Membership at National, Sector and Branch level
Fellowship of the PSSA (FPS) Achievements in a specific field are recognised by a number of awards including:
• The Young Scientist of the Year Award
• Student Awards are made in recognition of Academic excellence
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A major function of the Pharmaceutical Society revolves around the broad subject of Professional Services. While these services are not overt and visible at all times to the general membership of the profession, they account for a major portion of the Society's activities and have an important bearing on the development of the profession.
The Professional Department of the Society involves the following:
• Reviewing and addressing healthcare legislation e.g.: Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, Pharmacy Act, National Health Insurance, Medical Schemes Act, Veterinary Medicines (Act 36), Competition Act
• Reviewing and addressing professional matters e.g.: tariff issues, resolutions from AGMs, permits, postal delivery of medicines, pharmaceutical care, queries from members
LIAISON
The Society also liaises with various organisations including the following:
• The SA Pharmacy Council and other Health Professional Councils
• Ministry of Health and Department of Health
• Parliament and the Portfolio Committee on Health
• Board of Healthcare Funders
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations
• World Health Organisation
COMMUNICATION
Information dissemination Members are kept informed about the latest developments in pharmacy through:
• Practice workshops at Branch and Regional meetings
• E-newsletters, faxes or SMS service used for urgent matters
• Document distribution via Branches and Sectors (CA Documents)
• PSSA Website (www.pssa.org.za)
• Guidelines on professional practice issues e.g. legal requirements for record keeping are published and available electronically on request
Publications
The Society produces the following publications:
• SA Pharmacy Journal and SA Pharmacist’s Assistants journal
• PSSA e-newsletters
• Reference books
CONTINUTING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Society fulfils its obligation to the professional development of its members in numerous ways, including:
• Lectures and workshops organised by the Branches
• Certificates of attendance are issued; members are assisted in compiling a portfolio
• PSSA partners with Alpha Pharm to provide a distance learning CPD programme Bursaries
• Through the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education the Pharmaceutical Society promotes and administers the availability of bursaries for undergraduate study of pharmacy at recognised institutions in SA from the second year of study onwards. In addition, the Foundation also makes bursaries available for postgraduate study in pharmacy related subjects.
STUDENTS
• Student membership is available
• SAPSF and affiliated bodies are assisted administratively
CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA
The Society organises a number of conferences and symposia annually. These provide members with an opportunity to voice their opinions, participate in decision making, share experiences with colleagues and be recognised be their peers.
• Combined CPS and PSSA National Conference
• Academy Conference
• SAAHIP Conference
• Conferences provide an opportunity to express opinion, interact with colleagues and present posters or papers
• Various Awards are made in recognition of outstanding work done e.g. Best Poster Presentation, Pearl Award, etc.
• Symposia on practice issues or new legislative issues are held to assist members in practice
MEMBER BENEFITS AND SERVICES
• Preferential prices for reference books and other pharmacy practice requirements
• Free telephonic legal advice on labour relation issues and preferential rates from our labour lawyer
• Legal assistance on practice or ethical issues
• Conferencing and meeting room facilities at preferential rates at Lynnwood Conference Centre, 435 Flinders Lane, Lynnwood, Pretoria
• Professional Indemnity Insurance at discounted premiums
• Practice information and guidelines • International contacts through the PSSA affiliation to FIP, CPA, and Pharmintercom, etc.
