About Society (PSSA)

History of PSSA

The first apothecary established in what is now South Africa was Joachim Blanck. A member of the Guild of Apothecaries in Amsterdam, Blanck settled in the Cape in 1653. It was not until the early 19th century that the function of the pharmacists in South Africa was first defined. This enabled pharmacists (Chemists and Druggists) to organise themselves into a professional group distinct from other medical professions.

In 1885 a group of 7 pharmacists met in King Williamstown to form the South African Pharmaceutical Association. This development resulted in branches being formed in various parts of the country. From here pharmaceutical societies were developed in the various provinces and ultimately the amalgamation of these, in 1946 formed the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa.

Mission & Vision

In 1994, a Vision and Mission for pharmacy were adopted by the Pharmaceutical Society and these are reflected in the following passage.

Vision
The pharmacist as the custodian of medicines and the provider of pharmaceutical services will be integral in addressing health care needs of the population of South Africa.

Mission
Pharmacy as a dynamic, information driven, patient orientated profession, through its infrastructure, competency and skills is committed to fulfilling the healthcare needs of South Africa and its people by being the:-

• custodian of medicine;
• developer, formulator, manufacturer, distributor, supplier and controller of safe, effective and quality medicines;
• advisor to the safe, rational and appropriate use of medicine and medical devices;
• member of the healthcare team with which first contact is made at community level;
• provider of accessible, primary care including screening, emergency and referral services;
• accessible provider and promoter of healthcare information;
• provider of pharmaceutical care by being actively involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of a pharmaceutical plan and sharing responsibility towards the therapeutic outcome of the therapy;
• profession committed to competency and professionalism;
• profession committed to co-operation with members of the healthcare team in the interests of the patient;

Objectives

The objectives of the Society are:

• to promote the professional, educational and economic interests of the members of the Society and of the pharmaceutical profession;
• to encourage professional integrity and improve standards of professional conduct of the members of the Society;
• to promote and maintain the image of the pharmacy;
• to uphold and assist in the promotion and maintenance of the health of the people of South Africa through the provision of a safe dependable pharmaceutical service and
• in recognising the diversity of the population of South Africa, to promote the representation of all sectors of the South African community in its membership.

Emblem

The figures on the right and left of the shield are representative respectively of:-

The Swiss pharmacist-physician, Von Hohenheim also known as Paraselsus who had a revolutionary influence on pharmacy and medicine in the mid 15th century;

Galen, considered the father of medicine.

The base scroll carries the motto of the Pharmaceutical Society, “Pro Salute et Valetudine Populi” which translated to English is “For the health and welfare of the people.”

Why join PSSA

You have probably asked, "WHY should I join the PSSA". This is why:

• Effective representation at all government and official levels;
• Promotion of the profession;
• Monthly South African Pharmaceutical Journal;
• Quarterly South African Pharmacist's Assistant;
• Regular electronic newsletters;
• Continuing professional development and accredited continuing education;
• Cost effective insurance including professional indemnity;
• Drugwise educational programme against misuse, overuse and abuse of substances;
• Employment Policy and Procedures Manual (free to members); and
• Expert industrial relations, administration and technical advice.

AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society has by constitutional requirement to be held during the first half of each year. The preferred month is May.

The Annual General Meeting is held in a different centre each year, the objective of which is to allow the local branch members to have closer access to this important meeting of pharmaceutical professionals. In recent times the availability of suitably large venues in the different centres has limited the scope of this arrangement.

Costs of such meetings also have had an impact and thus the current policy is to hold combined AGM's and Conferences to cut down on duplication of travel and administration. Thus "combined" AGM's and Conferences between PSSA and CPS with other Pharmaceutical Bodies such as the Academy and SAAPI have brought financial savings to sponsors, organisers and organisations alike.

The AGM of the PSSA is officially attended by councillors from each Branch, elected in the ration of members per branch. This meeting not only provides members the opportunity to bring issues to the fore for debate and adoption but also allows delegates to mix and debate pharmaceutical issues with colleagues on an informal basis where such opportunities would not necessarily exist otherwise.

Election of Office Bearers

Election of Office Bearers

For any interested member to gain election as an office bearer they need to be active members of their local Branch. This involvement then also opens the door for them to seek nomination and election to the National Body. Elections are held on an annual basis.

A strong Society can be measured by the strength of involvement of its members in Society matters. Members are thus encouraged to play an active role in the Society's affairs.

As the committees of Branches and the National Body address a diverse range of subjects impacting on the profession, there is a wide range of subjects on which the members has the opportunity to concentrate. Involvement in this way leads to development not only of the Society and its Branches and Bodies, but also of the individual.