Pharmacist

A pharmacist is a health professional who must earn a qualifying degree and be committed to high standards of competence and professionalism. Pharmacists are required to be specialists in the knowledge of drug-related products, and need to continually further their education as new medicines and medical treatments develop.

In terms of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974, the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) is responsible for the registrations of pharmacy professionals as well as keeping the registers of such persons. To safeguard the public, registration with the SAPC is a pre-requisite to practice the pharmacy profession. It is a criminal offence to practice pharmacy without registering with the SAPC.